The 1998-99 season was the most successful one for Manchester United. Having not won any major silverware in the previous season, something that Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t enjoy, United came back stronger than ever to become the first English club to win the treble – the Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup in the most bizarre and unforgiving fashion imaginable, complete with late, late comebacks involving 90th minute equalizers and 93rd minute winners.
Sir Alex and his Red Army will be looking to repeat the feat this season, coming off the back of the silverware drought of last season, as United are in a commanding position in the Premier League – 9 points clear of second place arch rivals Manchester City and in a good position as far as the FA Cup and the Champions League titles are concerned.
Here is a look at the similarities between the team of ’99 and the present team, and reasons why United can repeat the feat of the 1998-99 season:
1. The Goalkeeper:
No one in their right mind would compare Peter Schmeichel and the relatively inexperienced David de Gea. But, here I am taking a shot at it. The big Danish International, who was awarded the “World’s Best Goalkeeper” title in the years ’92 and ’93, and captained United in the Champions League final in ’99, which also happened to be his last game for United. He was a wall on the goal-line and dealt with whoever managed to slip past Roy Keane, who controlled the midfield. He was a great shot-stopper, and dealt with crosses very effectively after joining United at the ripe age of 28.
David de Gea, on the other hand, at only 22 years of age, is performing beyond his years amidst undeserved criticism. He is also a great shot-stopper with his unorthodox-but-effective technique. He isn’t very comfortable while dealing with crosses, but is still a huge prospect for the future of United.
2. The Defense:
Back in ’99, the United half was patrolled by the likes of Gary Neville, Jaap Stam, Ronny Johnsen and Dennis Irwin. Neville was just sublime on the right wing and played out his career in United colors, Stam was voted the best defender in Europe in ’99, Johnsen was the anchor in the defensive midfield position and Irwin was one of the game’s best full-backs for his amazing work rate.
The United half is now patrolled by Rafael Da Silva – currently one of the best right-backs in the game for his pace, attacking prowess and growing maturity, Rio Ferdinand – one of the most experienced center-backs in the Premier League, Nemanja Vidic – the captain and a huge calming influence at the back and of course, Patrice Evra. With the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Alexander Buttner in the squad, Sir Alex has a good bunch to choose from. Even though this season’s defending hasn’t been up to the mark, it will only improve in the years to come.
3. The Midfield:
When one thinks of the United midfield in the 90′s, the one name that that immediately crops up is Roy Keane. The man was a machine. His work rate and dependability were off the charts. With the likes of Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham also at his disposal, Sir Alex and his fledglings dominated possession against any opponent they faced.
The current United midfield isn’t too far behind. Michael Carrick is an unsung monster in the middle of the park, with a great work rate. He is well backed up by the evergreen Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, the versatile wingers – Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Nani, along with Tom Cleverley, who keeps going from strength to strength as his young career progresses. The injury-prone Anderson is also a great resource at Sir Alex’s disposal.
4. The Attack:
The names Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were enough to strike fear into the heart of any goalkeeper. Yorke and Cole were at the peak of their respective careers in ’99 and scored an unprecedented 53 goals between them that season. Sheringham had a good work rate and brought a lot of experience to the table at a ripe age of 33 while Solskjaer a.k.a ‘The Baby Faced Assassin’, scored goals whenever he was most required to do so.
The attacking prowess of the current United side is unparalleled in the Premier League. Last season’s top scorers – Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney have continued their sublime form, having scored 35 goals between them in all competitions so far this season. Rooney also has the highest work rate in the Premier League. Danny Welbeck hasn’t scored many goals, but on his day, he can rip through any defense on the left flank. And finally, the ‘super sub’ – Javier Hernandez. He has scored a mammoth 14 goals this season, most of them after coming off the bench. He is a tireless worker and truly the current ‘Baby Faced Assassin’.
5. The Manager:
The Treble in the ’99 season was known as Sir Alex’s finest hour. It was rumored that he would retire the following season. Thankfully for the Red Army, he didn’t. He stayed strong and loyal to United. He has become the most decorated manager in English football and arguably the most respected man in world football. His substitutions are still world class, and his famous ‘hair-dryer’ treatment is still feared by players the world over. He instills his players with self-confidence and that never-say-die attitude that United are famous for.
The current United side may not be as complete as the Treble winning side of ’99, but it’s probably the closest we’ve got in a while. United have come from behind on 27 occasions this season to get a positive result, showing their undying spirit. But, completing the Treble this season will not be easy, with teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City standing in the way.
The possibilities are endless for Sir Alex and his well-balanced United team. So, here’s to another Treble as the icing on top of a long and illustrious managerial career for Sir Alex.
“I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it. Football, Bloody hell.”
- Sir Alex Ferguson, after winning the ’99 Champions League final.