The result also marked the 40th anniversary of United’s first European Cup victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo headed United in front but Frank Lampard equalised before half-time.
The game went to extra-time and penalties, with John Terry feeling blue after he slipped during his spot-kick and hit the post when a goal would have given his side the trophy.
Chelsea would rue that missed opportunity as Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka to crown the Red Devils kings of Europe.
1966: Muhammad Ali TKOs Henry Cooper for world heavyweight title.
1981: The New York Islanders defeat the Minnesota North Stars to win the Stanley Cup.
1997: Pakistan’s Saeed Anwar (below) smashes 194 off 146 balls against India in the Independence Cup to set the highest individual ODI score.
2011: Shackleford wins the 136th Preakness Stakes in 1:56.47.