Let’s review the greatest season in Manchester United’s history.
In 1999, Manchester United etched their name into the annals of football history by achieving the illustrious Treble – a feat accomplished by only a handful of European clubs.
The Treble entails winning three major championships in a single football season: the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
In this article, we delve into the remarkable journey of how Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United conquered these three coveted trophies in the1998-99 season.
Premier League Glory
Manchester United’s quest for the Treble began in the Premier League, where they faced stiff competition, notably from Arsenal. Despite early-season losses to Arsenal, Sheffield Wednesday, and Middlesbrough, their resilience shone through. After the December setback against Middlesbrough, they embarked on an incredible unbeaten run for the remainder of the season.
This remarkable stretch included impressive wins and draws against formidable opponents. Notable victories came against Nottingham Forest (8-1), Newcastle, Everton, Aston Villa, and Sheffield Wednesday. The title race boiled down to a final showdown against Arsenal’s arch-rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Despite a tough start to the game, Manchester United rallied to secure a crucial victory, clinching the Premier League title and marking the first leg of their historic Treble.
FA Cup Drama
In the FA Cup, Manchester United faced exhilarating encounters, starting with a third-round match against Middlesbrough, where they battled back from a halftime deficit to secure a 3-1 victory. The fourth-round clash with arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford provided one of the most memorable moments in their journey. Trailing 1-0, Dwight Yorke’s late goal, aided by David Beckham’s free-kick and a header from Andy Cole, leveled the score. In injury time, Ole Gunnar Solskjær sealed a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool.
The journey continued with a fifth-round triumph over Fulham (1-0) and a sixth-round replay victory against Chelsea (2-0) at Stamford Bridge. The FA Cup semifinal against Arsenal ended in a goalless draw, leading to a historic replay. In an unforgettable match, David Beckham and Dennis Bergkamp exchanged goals, while Roy Keane was controversially red-carded. Peter Schmeichel’s penalty save and Ryan Giggs’ astonishing solo goal in extra time secured Manchester United’s place in the FA Cup final.
In the final at the old Wembley Stadium, Manchester United emerged triumphant against Newcastle, clinching a 2-0 win with goals from Teddy Sheringham and Paul Scholes. This victory secured the FA Cup and marked the completion of the “English Double.”
Champions League Heroics
The UEFA Champions League proved to be the ultimate test of Manchester United’s treble ambitions. In the group stage, they navigated their way past Brøndby, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich. The knockout stage witnessed their encounter with Inter Milan, where they won 2-0 at Old Trafford and drew 1-1 at San Siro, advancing to the semifinals.
Facing Juventus in the semifinals, Manchester United achieved a historic comeback. A 2-2 draw in Turin saw them advance on away goals, earning their place in the final. However, for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Barcelona, suspensions forced key players Roy Keane and Paul Scholes to sit out.
In a dramatic final, Mario Basler’s early free-kick gave Bayern Munich a 1-0 lead. Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, made crucial saves to keep them in contention. In the 67th minute, substitutions Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær made a significant impact. In injury time, Sheringham equalized, and moments later, Solskjær’s goal secured a stunning 2-1 victory.
Manchester United’s remarkable comeback secured their place in history as they achieved the Treble – a feat that has eluded European clubs since. Sir Alex Ferguson was knighted for his contributions, and the 1999 Manchester United side remains one of the greatest teams in sports and football history, forever cherished by their supporters.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Manchester United
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
