Pausa Football presents: Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season at Manchester United. 38 trophies over his time at Manchester United. Perhaps, none as sweeter than the last. The last dance at Old Trafford.

One cannot set the stage for the 12/13 season without remembering the previous season. The Aguero goal. It seems like the tide of power went to the blue side of Manchester. City’s seemingly endless resources is already coming to fruition.

The Aguero goal against QPR not just resulted in United losing the Premier League, but United without major silverware. Losses to Athletic in the Round of 16 in the UCL and a loss to archrival, Liverpool in the FA’s Cup 4th Round.

Overall, the trajectory for Manchester United was in the negative. United lost icon Paul Scholes to retirement and squad players Park Ji-sung & Dimitar Berbatov.

On the flip side, United signed Robin Van Persie, reigning EPL Golden Boot winner and Japanese phenom, Shinji Kagawa. Questions were asked about a lack of balance in a suspected 4-2-3-1 or even the traditional 4-4-2, even by 2012 standards.

Where would Rooney play with the additions of Kagawa and Van Persie? Is Van Persie too old to contribute to a title challenge? Is United lacking a defensive stout in midfield? There were many questions about United’s balance despite the immense firepower.

Questions came in more frequent when United loss to Everton at Goodison Park. This was United’s first Premier League opening game defeat since 2004. Critics of United sees that it is an end of era. The end of United’s monopoly of the English Premier League.

United silenced the critics with the next two fixtures being 3-2’s victories. The finest was Van Persie’s hat-trick against Southampton with two goals in the last 5 minutes. Simply marvelous from the Dutch.

United’s faced two tasks with Liverpool and Tottenham. United won the Anfield battle with Van Persie’s penalty but loss to Tottenham in a 3-2 shootout.

Attack, attack, United. It is their philosophy of the season. You score two? We’re going to score three.

And attacked they did. United collected 15 points from October 7 to November 10. All of their victories coincided with scoring no fewer than two goals. United embraced the shootout. United knew with contributions of Van Persie, Rooney, Chicharito, they can match anyone.

Meanwhile in Europe, United drew Galatasary, CFR Cluj and Braga. United won the first four matches with 12 points good enough to win Group H. Manchester United seem to put away the ghost of Athletic behind them and be straightforward.

On November 17, United loss to Norwich thanks to Anthony Pilkington’s header at Carrow Road. This would be United’s last time being second in the league. Manchester United would never surrender the first place position to no one after this week.

From November 14 until December 1, United collected 9 more valuable points as United aim for revenge against noisy neighbors on a fateful clash at the Ethiad. The set was scene for a Manchester Derby once again, setting the course for a champion.

United became 6 points clear when Rooney scored twice to United’s advantage. City came back 2-2. Van Persie’s free kick became fortunate for United due to a deflection. United were at the driving seat of their destiny.

United found out later that month they are having a homecoming for Portuguese and Real Madrid’s superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo in the Round of 16. It would be the first time Ronaldo and United meet ever since Ronaldo went to Spain.

SAF’s United vs Mourinho’s Madrid.

United didn’t have a single loss during the months of December, January and February. Goals from Van Persie, Hernandez and Rooney came in abundance. 44 points in a three month stretch. An incredible stretch!

United wanted to win the 20th English championship at all costs.

February 13, Santiago Bernabeu.

United struck first with Welbeck’s set piece goal. United were negated by former player, Cristiano Ronaldo due to a majestic header. United held on and went back to Old Trafford with the away goal. De Gea pulled a majestic performance.

March 5, Old Trafford.

It is Cristiano’s homecoming to Old Trafford. The atmosphere is electric.

Minute 48: United were gifted a goal due to Sergio Ramos’ lack of awareness. Seem like United were bound to eliminate, Champions League favorite, Real Madrid.

A controversial red card on Nani changed the course of the game. Madrid scored two goals with an equalizer by Luka Modric, a screamer. Three minute later in the 69th minute, Ronaldo scored a tearful goal to put the tie away for a 10-man Utd.

United’s quest in Europe is over.

"Independent of the decision, the best team lost. We didn't deserve to win but football is like this," Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager said.

Despite the demoralizing loss to Madrid, Utd were being historically good in the EPL. Utd did a club record of winning 25 of their opening 30 games. Utd ran rampant with victories. Even the greatest of United’s sides weren’t statistically this great in the Premier League.

On April 22, Manchester United beat Aston Villa to win their 13th Premier League title and 20th English championship. Van Persie scored a hat-trick with contributions from Giggs and Rooney. It was an onslaught.

On May 08, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the rumors of retirement. 38 trophies during his time at Old Trafford. An end to not just a season, but an era. Ferguson is retiring as a winner. His last memory as manager isn’t a trophyless season. Rather, it is getting United to the 20th.

From lingering questions of City’s ascent to the actual balance of United’s squad. Questions if Van Persie and Rooney can cooperate. Questions if United needs a defensive enforcer in midfield. United gave a throwback of the 90’s shootouts for one last time. For one last dance.