While Ryan Giggs' longetivity had surprised even Sir Alex himself, he was probably still pivotal for the United squad in his mid-thirties such was the dearth of quality on the left wing. Having Cristiano Ronaldo blitz, bamboozle and flummox defenders to the mirth of the Old Trafford faithful on one wing, it strikes something of a paradox that the supporters on the other side of the pitch had to witness the diving, apathetic antics of Nani, or later Ashley Young. Ferguson had attempted to replace the ageing Giggs however, turning a beady eye to the likes of Harry Kewell, Ronaldinho and Arjen Robben in the early 00s, but it was a certain Lille winger who sat back and watched Europe's elite squirm, as he took his time before announcing his next destination through social networking. Jose Mourinho has many things to thank Didier Drogba for, but he can add the inadvertent acquisition of Eden Hazard to the list, with Drogba's Champions League-winning penalty in Munich two years ago having swayed Hazard's fate.
''There was a struggle between Chelsea and United, but I believe Chelsea have the best project. When they won the Champions League I told myself 'why not Chelsea?' The team is young and I have a better chance to play there.'' - Eden Hazard, June 2012.
The Portuguese coach may not have been at the club for their European success, but Mourinho is still reaping the rewards of Drogba's heroics.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
