Introduction
Manchester United’s treble-winning season in 1999 is widely considered a crowning moment in English football history. With Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm, Manchester United accomplished the remarkable feat of winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single season. This achievement had never been accomplished by an English club before and has only been replicated by Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of Manchester United’s treble-winning season. We will explore the key moments, players, and challenges that defined their remarkable campaign. From the team’s early struggles to their triumphant finish, we will relive the journey that led to one of the greatest achievements in football history.
Our writing style will be confident and narrative, immersing the reader in the story of Manchester United’s treble-winning season. Through rich and detailed analysis, we will provide insights into the team’s tactics, individual performances, and moments of brilliance. Join us as we relive the season that cemented Manchester United’s place in footballing folklore.
The Premier League : Manchester United
Manchester United kicked off their season with a home match against Leicester City, but went a goal down early on and ended up drawing 2-2 thanks to two late goals from David Beckham. In their first away game, they were held to a goalless draw by West Ham United, with Beckham receiving a hostile reception from the home fans due to his red card at the World Cup. The team’s first win of the season came against Charlton Athletic, with Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjær both scoring twice in a 4-1 victory. However, a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in their next league game left United in 10th place after five matches, with midfielder Nicky Butt being sent off in both the Champions League and league games that week. The month ended on a high note, though, as United beat Liverpool 2-0 to move up to fifth in the table.
Man Utd faced Southampton with caution, given their past record at The Dell. However, pairing Andy Cole with Dwight Yorke paid off as they both scored in a 3-0 victory. They then secured a 5-1 win at home against Wimbledon, with contributions from Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Yorke, and Cole, and praise for Wes Brown. United earned a point away at Derby County and beat Everton 4-1 at Goodison Park to narrow the gap at the top of the table. In November, Manchester United failed to score at home against Newcastle United but won 3-2 over Blackburn Rovers. However, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, extending their barren run at Hillsborough. They bounced back with a 3-2 victory over Leeds United, with a moment of brilliance from Nicky Butt securing the win.
They had a string of three draws, starting with a fortunate point away at league leaders Aston Villa. They then threw away a 2-0 lead at Tottenham Hotspur and drew with Chelsea at home. The team suffered their last defeat of the season against Middlesbrough, but went on to win their next match against Nottingham Forest and drew their final match of the year at Stamford Bridge. In January, United’s partnership of Yorke and Cole started to click as they won 4-1 against West Ham and 6-2 against Leicester City, cutting Chelsea’s lead at the top to two points. They moved a point clear at the top of the league for the first time in the season after winning 1-0 against Charlton Athletic. Ferguson praised the team’s resolve, acknowledging that sometimes they had to “dig in and find a result.”
Manchester United won five consecutive matches, including a record-breaking 8-1 victory against Nottingham Forest with four goals from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. They also drew 1-1 against Arsenal, leaving the title race finely balanced. In March and April, United’s focus was on cup competitions, but they won both of their league fixtures to become the first team to reach 60 points that season. In May, United briefly lost their lead to Arsenal but regained it after beating Aston Villa. A draw against Liverpool followed, with the United manager unhappy with the referee’s decisions. Arsenal’s chances of retaining the title were all but ended by a late goal from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink against them. United secured the championship on the final day with a 2-1 win over Tottenham, rendering Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa irrelevant.
FA Cup : Manchester United
In the 1998-99 FA Cup, Manchester United faced tough opponents throughout the competition, despite receiving home draws in their first four rounds. They defeated four Premier League teams, including Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal, on their way to the final. Fulham, who played in the Second Division at the time, was the only non-top flight team they faced.
In the third round, United faced Middlesbrough, who had recently beaten them in the league. After conceding an early goal, United came back to win 3-1 with goals from Cole, Irwin, and Giggs. In the following round, they faced Liverpool and secured a last-gasp 2-1 win with goals from Yorke and Solskjær.
In the quarter-final, United played Fulham, and Cole’s goal secured a 1-0 win. In the semi-final, United faced Arsenal, and after a goalless draw, they won 2-1 in the replay with goals from Beckham and Giggs. United’s win over Newcastle United in the final sealed the double, with goals from Scholes and Sheringham.
UEFA Champions League : Manchester United
Manchester United played their UEFA Champions League campaign in the 1998-99 season, starting in the second qualifying round against Polish champions ŁKS Łódź. They won 2-0 at home and drew 0-0 away to qualify for the group stage.
In the group stage, United were drawn in Group D, which was considered the “group of death”, along with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Brøndby. United drew both games against Barcelona, with a 3-3 draw at Old Trafford and a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou. They also drew twice against Bayern Munich, with a 2-2 draw away and a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. However, they secured two big wins against Brøndby, winning 6-2 in Copenhagen and 5-0 at home.
Their results were enough to secure second place in the group, and they progressed to the quarter-finals alongside group winners Bayern Munich.
where they faced Italian sides Internazionale and Juventus in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively. United had never won on an Italian pitch before, but they managed to secure victories in both legs against Inter and in the second leg against Juve, earning their place in the final against Bayern Munich.
In the quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford, United won 2-0 with two goals from Yorke, both assisted by Beckham, while Simeone’s goal for Inter was disallowed. In the second leg at San Siro, Scholes scored a late away goal to secure a 1-1 draw and United’s progression to the next round.
In the semi-final first leg at home, United drew 1-1 with Juventus, with Giggs scoring the equalizer in injury time, after Sheringham’s goal was disallowed. In the second leg in Italy, United fell behind by two goals in the first 11 minutes, but Keane and Yorke scored to level the game before Cole scored the winner, securing United’s 3-2 victory and place in the final.
The match began with Bayern Munich taking the lead after six minutes with a free-kick from Mario Basler. Bayern had several opportunities to extend their lead, but United’s goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel made numerous saves, keeping United in the game. In reaction to going a goal down, United manager Alex Ferguson substituted in Solskjær and Sheringham.
As the game went into injury time, United won a corner, which Beckham took and Schmeichel went up front for. The ball was partially cleared by Bayern’s defense before being played back to Giggs, who sent a low volley into the path of Sheringham, who scored the equalizer. Almost immediately after, United won another corner, again taken by Beckham, which led to Sheringham nodding the ball to Solskjær, who scored the winning goal.
United became the first English team to win the Champions League since its rebranding in 1992 and the first to win the European Cup since Liverpool beat Roma in 1984. The final was played on what would have been Sir Matt Busby’s 90th birthday, who had died five years earlier and never saw the club repeat his achievement of 31 years earlier.
Schmeichel and Ferguson were presented with the trophy by UEFA president Lennart Johansson, and despite their suspensions, both Keane and Scholes received winners’ medals on the rostrum. United’s victory was considered lucky by some, including substituted Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus, who removed his runner-up medal as soon as he received it.
Style of Play, Tactics, and Formations of Manchester United under Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson’s style of play and tactics during the 1998-99 season were crucial in Manchester United’s success that season, as they won the treble. Ferguson was known for his ability to adapt his tactics and formation according to the opposition and the situation of the game.
Throughout the season, Ferguson mostly used a 4-4-2 formation with a diamond midfield. This formation allowed United to have a solid defense, with two central defenders and two full-backs providing cover, while the diamond midfield allowed for a more compact shape in the middle of the park. This formation also provided attacking options with two strikers up front, who could interchange positions and create chances.
In the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, for example, he reorganized the team after losing two key midfielders to suspension. Beckham and Nicky Butt was moved into central midfield, with Jesper Blomqvist on the left wing and Ryan Giggs playing on the right wing.
However, Ferguson changed his tactics and formation according to the situation. For example, in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, he made a crucial change by bringing on two strikers, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Teddy Sheringham, to turn the game around in the dying minutes. This change in tactics resulted in two goals and a memorable victory for United.
Ferguson was also known for his emphasis on team spirit, hard work, and discipline. He instilled a winning mentality in his players and made sure that they played for each other and for the club. This was evident in the treble-winning season, where United won several games through sheer determination and grit.
In terms of playing style, Ferguson’s United were known for their attacking football, with a focus on quick and incisive counter-attacks. They had a talented midfield, with players like David Beckham, Roy Keane, and Paul Scholes, who could control the tempo of the game and create chances for the forwards. The forwards, led by Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, were quick, skillful, and deadly in front of goal.
Conclusion
The 1998-99 season was a truly historic one for Manchester United, as they became the first English club to win the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. It was an achievement that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in the club’s illustrious history.
Throughout the season, United showed great resilience and determination, consistently overcoming adversity and never giving up until the final whistle. The team’s attacking flair and defensive solidity were key to their success, as were their versatility and adaptability, which allowed them to overcome injuries and suspensions.
The leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson was also crucial, as he masterminded the team’s success with his astute tactical decisions and man-management skills. The players were united behind him, working tirelessly for each other and for the club, and this team spirit was a key factor in their triumph.
The significance of winning the treble was not just in the achievement itself, but in what it represented for the club and its fans. It was a symbol of the team’s dominance in England and Europe, and a testament to their winning mentality and determination to succeed.
Looking back on the 1998-99 season, it is clear that it was a special time for Manchester United. The team’s success on the pitch will forever be remembered, and it remains an inspiration to future generations of players and fans alike. The treble-winning season was a defining moment in the club’s history, and one that will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.