It was over eight years ago on a cold night in Moscow that Manchester United defied the odds to defeat Chelsea and win the UEFA Champions League, their first victory in the competition since 1999. It was a monumental achievement from the Red Devils, and, to this day, it remains the club's last great European triumph.
Eight years on, it's interesting to take a look at what the 14 players who appeared on the night are up to now.
GK: Edwin van der Sar
Photo: @8rend | Twitter
Currently: Retired from football in 2011.
The man who saved the crucial penalty from Nicolas Anelka in the shootout is currently enjoying retirement after hanging up his boots back in 2011. Back in March of 2016, the Dutchman actually returned to football for one last game with former club VV Noordwijk, saving a penalty in a 1-1 draw. History will remember him as one of the all time goalkeeping greats.
RB: Wes Brown
Photo: @CoinGifts | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship.
At the ripe old age of 37, Wes Brown is nearing the end of his career with Blackburn Rovers. The oft-criticized defender is also working as a coach with Blackburn, so we should expect to see him on the touchline soon enough. Currently, he’s most often seen on The Real Housewives of Cheshire alongside his wife, Leanne Brown.
CB: Rio Ferdinand
Photo: @NewsFlashback | Twitter
Currently: Retired from football in 2015. Works as a TV pundit.
Following on from retirement in 2015 after an ill-fated stint with Queens Park Rangers, Rio Ferdinand is enjoying a new career as a pundit. The former defender has appeared on numerous TV shows in addition to starting a whole host of new ventures to keep him busy after football. Success is certainly not lacking for good old Rio.
CB: Nemanja Vidic
Photo: @Info_INTER | Twitter
Currently: Retired from football in 2016.
One of the greatest defenders of all time is also no longer in the game having said goodbye to the sport following a two-year stay at Inter Milan. Rumors of a supposed move to MLS never transpired.
Nowadays, the Serbian pops up at Old Trafford from time to time as a club ambassador, whatever that high paying job entails.
LB: Patrice Evra
Photo: @FootballPointer | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Juventus.
“Uncle Pat” Evra is combining playing for Juventus with maintaining one of the most entertaining Instagram accounts in all of sports. The Frenchman has certainly found his calling as an entertainer whilst also continuing to be one of the best in the world on the pitch. At 35, the left-back shows no immediate signs of slowing down.
RM: Owen Hargreaves
Photo: @KilasCity | Twitter
Currently: Released by Manchester City in 2012. Pundit for BT Sport.
Owen Hargreaves is one of the most underrated midfielders of all time, injuries having played a massive role in his career trajectory. Now, Hargreaves works as a pundit for BT Sport where his odd accent that combines English, German and Canadian (Hargreaves was born in Calgary, Alberta) certainly makes for interesting viewing.
CM: Paul Scholes
Photo: @ApuntesdeRabona | Twitter
Currently: Retired in 2013, currently a TV pundit.
Paul Scholes is also now behind the microphone whilst also being a co-owner of Salford City alongside some other former United teammates. Some people may call him controversial, but, either way, the midfielder continues to carve a legacy for himself.
CM: Michael Carrick
Photo: @GeniusFootball | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Manchester United.
Despite not being able to log the same miles at Old Trafford at the age of 35, Michael Carrick is still officially the vice-captain of Manchester United.
The metronome of the United midfield remains a consummate performer that can be relied upon to bring an excellent range of passing and technique to any match.
LM: Cristiano Ronaldo
Photo: @CNN | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo still is, and will continue to be, one of the best players in the world. The most recent recipient of the Ballon d’Or shows no signs of slowing down, and many regard him as the greatest footballer to have ever graced the planet. That's high praise and rightfully deserved.
ST: Wayne Rooney
Photo: @T_Filhol | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Manchester United.
For some reason, Wayne Rooney doesn't seem to have reached the heights that many were expecting of him — which is odd considering he’s England’s top goalscorer of all time. The Englishman is still one of United's most valuable players, but there's just something missing. How much longer the 31-year-old has on the books at United is anyone’s guess.
ST: Carlos Tevez
Photo: @UNILADFooty | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Boca Juniors
Carlos Tevez continued his resounding success after Man United with Manchester City and Juventus, and nowadays he plays back home in Argentina for Boca Juniors. The forward’s greatness speaks for itself, and he could still do a great job in the Premier League.
Substitute: Anderson
Photo: @Torcedorescom | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Internacional in Brazil
28-year-old Anderson was never able to reach the heights expected of him at Old Trafford. Despite being on the books for eight years, the Brazilian attacker struggled for form and fitness throughout his United tenure. A move back to Brazil has failed to ignite his career.
Substitute: Ryan Giggs
Photo: @FootbalIFact | Twitter
Currently: Coach and co-owner of Salford City
Ryan Giggs retired in 2014 after serving as player-coach after the sacking of David Moyes. He served Louis van Gaal as assistant manager but departed the club following the appointment of Jose Mourinho. He was rumored for the Swansea City job but has yet to resurface as a manager.
Substitute: Nani
Photo: @bahisanalizcom | Twitter
Currently: Playing for Valencia
While Nani never became the next Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United, the Portuguese winger has crafted a fine career for himself. He was a loyal servant of United’s for eight years, and he’s since gone on to play for Sporting, Fenerbahce and Valencia.
He’ll forever be a legend in Portugal having helped his side capture glory at Euro 2016, scoring three goals himself in the tournament.
