20 Years Later: Why Man United's Treble-Winning Season Will Never Be Bettered

David Beckham was probably the most hated man in England in the summer of 1998. Following his dismissal from the national side's World Cup second round tie against Argentina for kicking out at Diego Simeone, the tabloid media scapegoated the midfielder for the team's eventual defeat (on penalties, of course).

Vilified by opposition fans wherever he went and subjected to both death threats and the burning of an effigy in London, it seemed as if the 23-year-old faced a huge uphill battle, with many speculating that he would have to go abroad to have any chance of salvaging his career.

The Old Trafford faithful never turned their back on their number seven, who seemed constantly unfazed by the pressure that followed him. An equaliser in stoppage time against Leicester City in the first league match of the season was a sign of things to come, as Beckham went on to score nine goals and record eighteen assists in all competitions.

His feats saw him finish second to Brazilian maestro Rivaldo in voting for the prestigious Ballon D'Or, but Beckham was still subject to disparaged by certain sections of the football community until his last-minute goal sent England to the World Cup in Japan and Korea. The rest is history, with Beckham now held in the highest esteem for his performances in Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and England shirts.