Since that final in Moscow, with John Terry's infamous penalty handing United the Champions League title, the Red Devils had not won in Europe.
Nine years, a very long time bearing in mind Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson are long gone, and two Champions League finals (2009 and 2011) lost against Barcelona have gone by.
But the Scottish manager left and United went downhill, last year not even making it past the group stages.
Something has changed with Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has returned the club to where they belong, and the club's fans are already dreaming of that much sought-after Champions League trophy next season.
Manchester United will play the European Super Cup in August, could it be a reunion between Mourinho and Real Madrid, back among the best?