5 times Manchester United pulled off a miraculous comeback

#2 Juventus 2-3 Manchester United – April 21st 1999

Aiming for their first Champions League triumph since 1968, United were drawn against the tough Italian champions Juventus in the semi-finals and managed to secure a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Old Trafford. The final appeared to be within sight, but within 10 minutes of the second leg starting, the Red Devils found themselves 2-0 down.

Two goals from Pippo Inzaghi appeared to have wrecked United’s Champions League dreams for good, but the doubters hadn’t figured the insane will to win of Alex Ferguson’s side. Midfielder Roy Keane pulled a goal back midway through the first half, but that still left United needing at least another goal to qualify.

On the half-hour mark, Keane picked up a booking for a foul on Zinedine Zidane – a booking that would rule him out of any possible final. But rather than break his spirit, it seemingly turned him into a man possessed.

The Irishman began to boss the midfield battles, and literally a couple of minutes later, United attacked, with David Beckham sending over a cross that was headed home by Dwight Yorke. Suddenly, United were firmly in the driving seat and would make the final on the away goals rule.

There was still plenty of time for more action though, and on 61 minutes, Inzaghi had a third goal ruled out. Then, on 84 minutes, Yorke rushed through on goal only to be brought down by Juve keeper Angelo Peruzzi – but the ball fell to Andy Cole, who rolled it into the net.

United had not only achieved a miraculous comeback to make the Champions League final, but they’d also claimed their first victory over Italian opposition on home soil. It was a truly momentous night.