Reliving Man Utd’s Historic 1999 Triple Crown Victory: Key Matches That Led to Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League Triumph
Manchester United’s Treble Triumph: A Look Back
The 1998-99 season is etched in the memory of Manchester United fans as they completed an unprecedented treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. It was a remarkable feat that had never been achieved before by an English club. The Red Devils, under Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership, showed incredible resilience and determination throughout that season to achieve what many thought was impossible.
Wednesday 14th April 1999 – Arsenal vs Manchester United (FA Cup Semi-Final Replay)
This game will always be remembered for Ryan Giggs’ moment of magic in extra time which sent Old Trafford into raptures. After drawing their first semi-final 0-0, both sides met again at Villa Park for a midweek replay full of tension. David Beckham put United ahead before Dennis Bergkamp levelled it up in the second half.
The match then took a dramatic turn when skipper Roy Keane was sent off in the 74th minute and Phil Neville conceded a penalty right at the end of normal time. But Peter Schmeichel saved Bergkamp’s penalty to keep hopes alive for the Red Devils.
Then came one of the most memorable moments in Manchester United’s history as Ryan Giggs scored an incredible goal during extra time following his incredible mazy run through Arsenal’s defence which made him synonymous with this fantastic achievement.
Wednesday 21st April – Juventus vs Manchester United (Champions League Semi Final Second Leg)
United travelled to Turin for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus, knowing they had to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. Inzaghi scored two quick goals in the opening minutes of the game and it seemed like United’s treble dreams were over.
The match then took a turn when captain Roy Keane showed his true leadership skills by heading home a David Beckham corner kick in the 24th minute. Dwight Yorke levelled for United ten minutes later before Andy Cole secured victory with a third goal in the closing stages of the game.
Keane and Scholes unfortunately picked up yellow cards during this match which meant they would miss out on playing in Barcelona’s final but that didn’t matter as Manchester United made history once again!
Sunday 16th May – Manchester United vs Tottenham (Premier League Final Match)
The final day of the Premier League season saw Manchester United needing just one point against Tottenham at Old Trafford to secure their fifth league title in seven years. Les Ferdinand put Spurs ahead but David Beckham equalized just before half-time with an amazing curling effort.
In the second half, Dwight Yorke lobbed over goalkeeper Ian Walker with an incredible finish to score what became known as one of Manchester United’s most famous goals ever! The Red Devils held on tightly until full time whistle was blown, securing them their first-ever Premier League title win on home soil since Sir Matt Busby’s days at Old Trafford: Trophy number one down, two more to go!
Saturday 22nd May – Newcastle vs Manchester Utd (FA Cup Final)
A week after winning their fifth Premier League title, Ferguson’s team strolled into Wembley Stadium for their FA Cup final match against Newcastle United. Teddy Sheringham replaced Roy Keane in the first half and put United ahead after 11 minutes following an intricate one-two with Paul Scholes.
The Red Devils maintained their lead before Paul Scholes scored a second goal seven minutes into the second half, winning Manchester United’s third league and cup double of the 1990s. Newcastle didn’t offer much resistance as they were silenced by Manchester United’s sheer brilliance on that day.