5 Times Manchester United Destroyed Big Teams

5 Times Manchester United Destroyed Big Teams

5 Times Manchester United Destroyed Big Teams

Abigael Wafula 20:16 - 22.05.2025

Manchester United has a history of delivering crushing victories against elite teams and has showcased their dominance in both domestic and European competitions.

Manchester United remains one of the most successful clubs in football history, having built a reputation for producing striking performances against formidable opponents.

Over the years, the Red Devils have delivered crushing victories that left fans in awe and rivals stunned, and despite their recent struggles, they remain respected.

Whether in the Premier League or the Champions League, Manchester United has often risen to the occasion, showcasing their ability to dismantle even the strongest of teams.

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In this article, Pulse Sports Kenya looks at five memorable matches where Manchester United completely outclassed opposition from extremely strong teams.

5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams

1) Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (2011)

5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams
5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams

Very few matches in the Premier League have been as humiliating for a big team as Arsenal’s infamous 8-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2011.

Arsenal went into the match severely weakened by injuries and suspensions, and were left exposed against Sir Alex Ferguson’s ruthless Manchester United side that dominated the pitch.

Wayne Rooney, a Manchester United legend, put on a masterclass, scoring a hat-trick, with Ashley Young, Nani, Danny Welbeck, and Ji-Sung Park also scoring goals for the Red Devils.

Manchester United's attacking play was relentless, and it tore Arsenal’s defence apart. Arsenal managed only two consolation goals, but they were overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of Man United’s play. The game remains one of the most talked-about thrashings in Premier League history.

2) Manchester United 6-1 Arsenal (2001)

5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams
5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams

Arsenal has surely suffered at the hands of Manchester United following the humbling defeats. In 2001, in a fixture at Old Trafford, Arsenal endured yet another unforgettable thrashing.

Manchester United’s Dwight Yorke opened the scoring early, netting a hat-trick within the first 22 minutes of the match.

Arsenal’s defence had been weakened at this point, and they did not respond promptly to the goals, enabling Manchester United to control the game.

Roy Keane, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Teddy Sheringham also scored in that, further rubbing salt into Arsenal's wounds.

The victory showcased Manchester United’s dominance in the Premier League at the time, as they dismantled their rivals with no mercy. It was a match that solidified Man United's reputation as one of the most feared teams in English football.

3) Manchester United 7-1 Roma (2007)

5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams
5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams

In April 2007, Manchester United enjoyed a great night in the Champions League when they faced Roma at Old Trafford.

Manchester United had suffered a 2-1 loss in the first leg of the quarterfinal match in Italy, and they needed to show up in the second leg if they were to make the semifinal.

Cristiano Ronaldo played a starring role, scoring a brace, while Michael Carrick also scored twice in the hotly contested match.

Goals from Alan Smith, Patrice Evra, and Wayne Rooney completed Manchester United’s campaign, leaving Roma stunned.

Manchester United’s attacking prowess completely dismantled the Italian side, making it one of the most dominant performances in Champions League history.

4) Manchester United 5-0 Bayer Leverkusen (2013)

Manchester United
5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams

Manchester United has enjoyed several standout European performances, but their destruction of Bayer Leverkusen in the 2013 Champions League group stage match was particularly impressive.

Manchester United were playing away in Germany, and they oozed class in their attacking prowess, guiding them to a 5-0 victory.

Wayne Rooney, a formidable forward in his own right, controlled the game as Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, and Nani all found the back of the net. Manchester United were under David Moyes, who remains one of the greatest coaches in history.

5) Manchester United 5-0 Chelsea (1999)

5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams
5 Times Manchester United Dominated Big Teams

Manchester United has always been known to rise to the occasion in high-profile domestic encounters, and their 5-0 demolition of Chelsea in 1999 was not an exception.

On October 3, 1999, the Red Devils were unstoppable, with Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, and Jesper Blomqvist leading the campaign.

Chelsea was a strong team at the time, and losing 5-0 to Manchester United was a sign of how the Red Devils had greatly improved.

The match reflected Manchester United’s brilliance in the 1998–99 season, a campaign that ended with the club securing a historic treble, the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Manchester United has consistently demonstrated its ability to rise to the occasion and deliver victories against top-tier opposition.

Whether in the Premier League or on the European stage, these performances highlight the club’s winning mentality and tactical excellence.