20 Years Later: Why Man United's Treble-Winning Season Will Never Be Bettered
2. So. Many. Last. Minute. Winners.
David Beckham's recovery of a point against Leicester was the first of many times where United made it hard for themselves. Fate seemingly conspired to facilitate last minute equalisers and winners throughout the 98/99 season and the legend of 'Fergie Time' was born, to the chagrin of any teams that fell victim to it.
The fourth round FA Cup tie against Liverpool in January was a prime example. Unable to put the ball in the back of the net for over eighty minutes after Michael Owen had given the Anfield outfit an early lead, Dwight Yorke gave the team hope in the 88th minute before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poked away a stoppage time winner.
An 89th minute winner against Charlton a week later then proved to be crucial come the end of the season given the narrow one point margin by which Arsenal were ultimately overcome.
The Champions League final has gone down in history as the epitome of a United comeback, however. ‘Can Manchester United score, they always score’ were the words of Clive Tyldesley in the commentary box and score they did, with substitutes Sheringham and Solskjaer cropping up in the right place in the right time in quick succession to stun a Bayern Munich side that had led throughout.
Though it is something the club has replicated in so many ties in the years since, never has that double salvo been eclipsed in importance.