On 28 August 2011, Manchester United sent shockwaves through English football by hammering Arsenal 8–2 at Old Trafford. Eleven years have slipped by, yet the echoes of that “nightmare match” still ring loudly.

The fixture, part of the Premier League’s third round in 2011/12, pitted a confident United side against an Arsenal team in transition. While the Red Devils were favourites, no one foresaw a six-goal rout.

A hat-trick from Wayne Rooney, a brace by Ashley Young and further strikes from Danny Welbeck, Nani and Park Ji-sung handed the Gunners their heaviest league defeat since 1927.

More than a decade later most of the men who featured that day are still playing—but only a couple are still on United’s books.

Starting XI

Goalkeeper: David de Gea

After a shaky debut campaign the Spaniard soon cemented his place as United’s No. 1. He remains one of the club’s most dependable performers despite years of turbulence, and is one of just two survivors from the 2011 line-up still at Old Trafford.

Right-back: Chris Smalling

During his 2010-2019 spell at United, Smalling was often accused of never quite fulfilling his promise. A loan to AS Roma revived his career; the Italian side made the move permanent for €15 million, where he has since thrived.

Centre-back: Phil Jones

A versatile defender capable of playing centrally, at full-back or even in midfield, Jones was once tipped by Sir Alex Ferguson to become a world-class star. After the Scot’s retirement his progress stalled. Though still under contract at United, he is a rare sight on the team sheet.

Centre-back: Jonny Evans

Signed to be a long-term cornerstone, Evans produced 197 solid outings for United before Louis van Gaal sold him to Leicester City in 2015.

Left-back: Patrice Evra

Widely regarded as a club legend, Evra collected five Premier League titles with United. He joined Juventus in 2014 and added two Serie A crowns to an already bulging trophy cabinet.

Midfielder: Ashley Young

Once a dazzling winger at Aston Villa, Young began brightly for United but lost consistency until a switch to full-back rejuvenated him. He captained the side before moving to Inter Milan in 2020 and has since returned to Aston Villa.

Midfielder: Anderson

Touted as a prodigy, the Brazilian’s United career never matched the hype. In 180 appearances he tallied seven goals and 21 assists, his progress hampered by injuries and poor discipline. United released him in January 2015; he later played for Internacional and retired at 32 after a brief spell in Turkey.

Midfielder: Tom Cleverley

An academy product who never quite kicked on, Cleverley spent long periods out on loan before a permanent move to Everton in 2015. He now turns out for Watford.

Winger: Nani

The Portuguese wide man scored United’s fifth that afternoon with a delicate chip from Rooney’s pass. A fan favourite, he was sold by Van Gaal in 2015. Born in 1986, Nani currently plies his trade in Melbourne, Australia.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

United’s all-time record scorer produced a masterclass against Arsenal, netting three times—all from set-pieces—and might easily have claimed a four-goal haul. He left Old Trafford in 2017 for spells at Everton, D.C. United and Derby County before moving into coaching.

Striker: Danny Welbeck

An academy graduate laden with promise, Welbeck struggled to hit the expected heights—even after a 2014 switch to Arsenal. He is now a mainstay at Brighton.

Substitutes

Javier Hernández

“Chicharito” was adored for his knack of late goals off the bench. Loaned to Real Madrid in 2014, he later represented Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, Sevilla and now LA Galaxy.

Park Ji-sung

One of Asia’s most successful Premier League exports, Park’s influence waned during Sir Alex’s final years. He joined QPR in 2012, spent a loan spell at PSV and retired in 2014.

Ryan Giggs

Giggs devoted his entire playing career to United, retiring in 2014. He later served briefly as caretaker manager and then assistant to Louis van Gaal.