In 1999 Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United to a historic treble, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. The squad which achieved the extraordinary feat nine years ago was considered Ferguson’s best ever side, until now.
Ferguson’s class of 2008 can draw many comparisons with the 99’ treble winners, with both teams boasting success in the Premier League and Champions League. Here’s a look at some of the fundamental players from both eras.
Peter Schmeichel is considered as one of the best goalkeepers to ever pass through Old Trafford. The Great Dane was a vital reason for United’s success in the 90’s. Edwin Van der Sar moved to United three years ago and has finally put an end to United’s goalkeeping problems. The giant Dutchman has already helped United to victory in the Carling Cup final, two Premier League titles and now a Champions League trophy. Reliable and experienced, Van der Sar is an important member in the present United squad.
Jaap Stam was as commanding presence for United at the center of defense. The Dutchman was especially known for his physical presence and imperative to United’s defense. Nemanja Vidic has developed into one of the best defenders in England and also possesses an immense physical presence. United has often struggled without Vidic and look frail at times without the Serb.
Ronny Johnsen’s spell at Old Trafford was cut short to due to injury, but the Norwegian still managed to play an important role in United’s success in 1999. Rio Ferdinand, on the other hand, is one of the best centre-backs in the world and is probably the second most important player for United behind Ronaldo. Ferdinand has often captained United and has been a rock for United at the back.
Andy Cole was fundamental for United in the Premier League and their run to the Champions League final in 99’. The Englishman finished with 24 goals in all competitions and formed a great partnership with Dwight Yorke. Wayne Rooney is the driving force for United. Despite sometimes lacking the goals expected from him, Rooney physical strength and determination has helped United to success both home and abroad this season. His partnership with Carlos Tevez has been crucial for United this season as well.
Roy Keane is undeniably one of the best midfielders to ever play for Manchester United. After he hung up his boots, even Sir Alex Ferguson described Keane as the best player he had ever coached. The former United captain was a tremendous leader and the driving force behind United’s midfield. Keane’s will to win was greater than that of anyone else. Michael Carrick
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6 months ago
Decent comparison Jeff..Im never really a man for comparisons,I think they both stood out in their own way but I definetly agree with how you finished the article.
6 months ago
good comparison here jeff. i think that the squads are even for me. both have qualities that the other don't. i did like the comparison between every player, rather than the team as a whole.
6 months ago
You must be kidding me!! Jeff, you're making comparisons in a very biased manner. Every strength of the current team has been magnified and the strenghts of the 1999 team were minimized!!!
Schmeichel has been considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, not just in old trafford. Yet, you managed to lower his status by limiting your praise.
Moreover, Ryan Giggs and Scholes are barely mentioned, their performances in 1999 were far superior to those of this campaign. There is no comparison in Uniteds central midfield and left wing of today. Those would seriously balance the scale.
I concur that David Bekham is not at the same level as Ronaldo, but you don't mention the fact that he was consistently vying for the player of the year award, comming close of a few occasions!!
You talk about Rooney and Tevezs partnership as being brilliant, whilst again underplaying the partnership of Yorke and Cole!! The firsts together scored a very limited number of goals (a strikers ultimate objective). The second have a record of the highest scoring partnership in the premier league with something like 40 goals together!
Ultimately, United were stronger in terms of Goalkeeper, left wing, one of the central midfield roles and in terms of attack.
The new United have a slightly stronger defence and right midfielder and a better defensive midfielder.
To say with such ease that the current team is the strongest ever is an insult to those who know anything about United, as the treble team is still the most remembered team since the Busby Babes!
6 months ago
Is this is best side ever, in my opinion, No. Vidic one of the best defenders in England? I can proudly say the best in the world. I really think he is...
It is hard to compare the two teams but i also thik think this team is a long way off. I hope they prove me wrong, and with the likes of Anderson I think they might.
Good article Jeff.
6 months ago
I appreciate the comments from everyone. And to further my argument, I think that talent wise and individually the 2008 team is better. The 99 team set the course for future success, but with the young squad Ferguson has now, they're setting their own course for success as they showed this year.
Maybe this will put it into perspective.
Schmeichel > Van der Sar
Irwin < Evra
G. Neville > Brown
Stam < Rio
Yorke < Rooney
Cole > Tevez
Keane > Carrick
Berg < Vidic
Scholes = Scholes
Giggs = Giggs
Beckham < Ronaldo
Van Der Gouw < Kuzsack
P. Neville < Hargreaves
Silvestre = Silvestre
May < Pique
Johnsen < O'Shea
Butt < Fletcher
Blomqvist < Park
Ole > Saha
Sheringham < Anderson (They play diff. positions but Anderson and Nani are the only people left to compare).
6 months ago
Also the current squad has far greater depth, which was a huge reason for its success this season.
6 months ago
There has been no comparison been made between the players or the sides. Written one sentence on the 99 players without really describing them and then written twice as much on the 08 players but you havent made any comparison between players and then right at the end you make a comment that 08 is better than 99 without providing any arguments for that case in article at all. Poor Poor effort.
6 months ago
I understand your point of view but theres major flaws:
Giggs of 1999 was much better than Giggs of today (remember the run against arsenal?)
Scholes of 1999 was much better than Scholes of today (He has scored less and played much less in this team than in the one of 1999).
Are you seriously saying Rooney is better than Yorke?!! In terms of talent there's no contest, Rooney out does him, but in terms of stats and value to the team Yorke is the clear winner.
He was the highest goal scorer in the premiership
He was part of the highest scoring partnership in the premier league.
Rooney, can hardly make it onto the top 10 goal scorers this season, and hasn't been a potent striker!
I love Rooney, but you really can't make that argument.
Again, with Rio, Stam is at least equal. Fergie himself stated that Stam was one of the greatest players he ever let go, and was one of the only things he regrets in his career! Rio is amazing, but he isn't an aggresive defender, and isn't potent in the air. Without Vidic, Rio wouldn't be the defender he is today!
The Fletcher comparison can't hold weight as he played very few games, whilst Butt was instrimental in the United midfield...Any comparison has to go in favor of Butt!
I aggree that the depth that the 2008 squad is far superior to that of 1999, and that allowed them to compete more effectively. But the fact that a smaller squad won the treble suggests that the strength of that squad is stronger than that of the 2008 team.
6 months ago
You make some very good points. Giggs and Scholes were obviously much better nine years ago then they are today. There can be no hiding that fact. And yes, I will never forget Giggsy's incredible run in the FA Cup Semi-final. Sheer class. And Scholes scored a lot more goals back then too. But he's still an instrumental player in the current side too.
But please note that even Sir Alex thinks that it may be his best team ever. Here's his quote:
“I think this has got the makings of our best ever team." He said this soon after winning the final in Moscow. I think it would be interesting to hear his view on why he thinks so. Because I doubt anybody knows better than him.
And I suppose it is interesting to note that a smaller squad won the treble. But United were unlucky this year and if it weren't for a penalty then they might have reached the FA Cup final and probably have won it. But I'm not making any excuses.
I think next year will be the time when the current side has to show if they are as good as the 99 side. It will be very interesting to see if they can continue their success.
6 months ago
On paper I'd say the 99 team at their peak but you can't really compare. Cole scored more than Tevez but Vidic is far better than Berg, it's all if's and but's.
6 months ago
It's true. I wonder what would happen if the two teams played each other. But I suppose you can't judge which team is better by doing that.
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