Sir Alex Ferguson's departure was a sad day in the history of Manchester United, though the legendary manager had already briefed the club on who his successor should be - David Moyes.
Manager of Everton at the time, the Scot was seen as the perfect man for the hotseat and United put all their faith in him as he signed a six-year contract.
Moyes made a dream start to his tenure by lifting the Community Shield but results soon took a turn for the worse.
After a spell of defeats, he was finally sacked after 10 months in charge, the third-shortest managerial stint in the club's history.
Six years on since Moyes' debut match, where are his first starting XI now?
Two players from his team to face Wigan in the season opener are still with United today with the majority of players retired from the game.
David de Gea - GK
Signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, David de Gea started between the sticks on Moyes' debut, ensuring his reign kicked off with a clean sheet. The Spaniard remains a crucial player for the Reds to this day having made well over 300 appearances since joining from Atletico Madrid.
Rafael - RB
At United since 2008, Rafael was the first-choice right back at Old Trafford before slowly falling down the pecking order. He signed a new four-year deal in 2012 and was handed the iconic No.2 jersey. However, he was sold in 2015 to Lyon for an undisclosed fee where he remains today.
Phil Jones - CB
Former Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones remains at Manchester United today. The England international was tipped to be the future of United's defence but has failed to nail down a regular starting spot. Injuries and form have seen him struggle for regular game time.
Nemanja Vidic - CB
Legendary United defender Nemanja Vidic lifted the Community Shield on Moyes' debut in what would prove to be his final year at the club. After making 300 appearances with the Reds, he spent two seasons with Inter Milan before retiring from football. Has expressed a desire to coach.
Patrice Evra - LB
Patrice Evra will be remembered as one of United's greatest ever left-backs after joining from Monaco in 2006. Like Vidic, Moyes' season would prove to be his last with the club before departing for Juventus. Evra returned to the Premier League with West Ham in 2018 and recently announced his retirement.
Tom Cleverley - CM
In a new found role under Moyes, Tom Cleverley fought Marouane Fellaini for a starting berth in the United midfield. However, his performances were criticised by the United fans with a petition being created to ban the midfielder from being included in the 2014 World Cup squad. He left to join Everton on a free transfer in 2015 before signing for Watford permanently.
Michael Carrick - CM
Michael Carrick remains at Manchester United, but not as a player. The midfielder won every domestic honour in the English game during his playing career and announced his retirement in 2018. His knowledge of the game is invaluable to the Red Devils who offered Carrick a coaching role at the club.
Ryan Giggs - CM
Also no longer playing is Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, who started the game against Wigan in the midfield three. Giggs became a player-coach during Moyes' time and actually replaced the Scot when he was sacked. He wasn't given the United job permanently but went on to manage the Wales national team - a role he has held since January 2018.
Robin van Persie - ST
Dutch legend Robin van Persie was the first player to score under Moyes, bagging a brace in the Community Shield final to secure the 2-0 victory. The season under the Scot would prove to be his penultimate campaign at the club before leaving to join Fenerbahce. He later returned to Feyenoord before announcing his retirement.
Danny Welbeck - LW
One of the few players to shine under Moyes' leadership was England forward Danny Welbeck. He netted nine Premier League goals - the joint highest total in his career - before opting to leave United to play as a striker. Welbeck joined Arsenal but injuries hampered his progress. He was released by the Gunners this summer and completed a free transfer to Watford.
Subs
Jonny Evans - Left United for West Brom, signed by Leicester last summer following the Baggies' relegation.
Antonio Valencia - Released by United in the summer, moved back to Ecuador to play for LDU Quito.
Anderson - Departed the club after almost eight years in 2015. Now plays in the Turkish second division for Adana Demirspor.
Chris Smalling - Remains at United, was linked with a summer exit to Everton.
Anders Lindegaard - Was never given the chance as first-team goalkeeper, left to join Preston North End and Burnley. Now a free agent.
Shinji Kagawa - At Real Zaragoza after he returned to Dortmund, via a loan spell at Besiktas.
Adnan Januzaj - Now plays for Moyes' former club Real Sociedad after failed loans with Dortmund and Sunderland.
