Substitutes (Part I of IV)
Central Midfielder – Darren Fletcher (on for Giggs in the 62nd minute)
Then: A United academy graduate, the Scot had become an essential cog in Fergie’s United machine by the time Rooney arrived. He spent a hugely successful 13 years at the club, making 342 appearances, and was only let go after he was diagnosed with career-threatening ulcerative colitis. Ever the fighter, he recouped to join West Brom on a free transfer and last season played every single game for them.
Now: The 33-year-old has just signed a two-year contract with Stoke City.
Quirky Fact: Fletcher was set to become the youngest player ever to appear in the Manchester United first-team when he was selected for the club's final fixture of the 99-00 season (against Aston Villa) but PL rules prohibited players on schoolboy contracts from appearing at the senior level, and Fletcher's debut was delayed!
Central Midfielder – Liam Miller (on for Nistelrooy in the 81st minute)
Then: The Irishman arrived the same season as Rooney but didn’t quite have the same impact. He’d made the rather surprising transfer after his performances at Celtic (44 apps) attracted attention; he played only 22 times for United (scoring twice) before he moved on to Leeds United, Sunderland, Queens Park Rangers, Hibernian, Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City and Cork City
Now: The 36-year-old is still active, and currently plies his trade with Wilmington Hammerheads in the ultra-hipster United Soccer League (second division to the MLS, alongside the NASL)
Quirky Fact: Liam Miller played 22 times for Manchester United.
To his eternal credit, he’s always been positive about the rather torrid spell he endured at Old Trafford – “Man Utd didn't work out but I have no regrets about giving it a go”