Review 2011/12: August

Rooney.

The Arsenal fixture will inevitably go down in United folklore, as the new youthful Reds swarmed all over the Gunners to record a remarkable 8-2 victory. Rooney netted a hat-trick, Young bagged a brace of wonder-goals while Nani, Ji-sung Park and Welbeck weighed in with singles. De Gea also had his fun in the sun, saving a penalty from Robin van Persie.

Goal of the month
Young v Arsenal
The left winger’s first United goal – in the 8-2 victory over Arsenal – may forever be his best. Young collected a failed clearance, shifted inside and, with just enough space in front of Francis Coquelin, curled a beauty into the top right-hand corner.

Player of the month
Wayne Rooney
Wazza led the new attacking talent by example in August, netting five goals. He scored in all of United’s three league victories but saved his best performance for last: a hat-trick, including two superb curling efforts from outside the penalty area, to punish poor old Arsenal.

Quote of the month
“We’ve always had confidence to play young players. But this group has such fantastic ability, it forces me to play them really.” - Sir Alex Ferguson

More: Rooney voted Player of the Month