It was a strange decision to dump Jaap Stam, one of the finest defenders of the early 21st century, and Sir Alex Ferguson would later describe the hastened decision as his worst Man United mistake of his career. With the Dutchman having spent just three years at the club, he had picked up the knack of winning, scooping a league title during every campaign, and looking an assured and composed figure at the back during the hallowed treble-winning season of 98/99. However, he in 2001, Man United supporters were dealt a blow when they learned that their club had agree a £16.5 million deal with Italian side Lazio for the centre-half.
''I soon realised the club wanted to get rid of me. They also needed the money. Ferguson told me that I had to be transferred. Then he said, Will you please move to Lazio quickly? - Jaap Stam, 2013.
It was a poor decision on Fergusons behalf, and he has since lambasted his own hastiness, but for Stam, he felt let down as he wasnt ready to leave a club of Manchester Uniteds size just yet.