1997–98 Manchester United F.C. season

English football club season March 2015 May 2020 Manchester United 1997–98 Alex Ferguson Martin Edwards Premier League 2nd FA Cup Fifth round League Cup Third round UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals Charity Shield Winners Andy Cole (15) Andy Cole (25) 55,306 vs Wimbledon (28 March 1998) 41,027 vs Everton (26 December 1997) 54,420 _manutdh9698 _manutdh9698 _manutdh9698 _manutdh9698 _whitetop E20E0E E20E0E E20E0E FFFFFF 000000 _manutda9799 _manutda9799 _manutda9799 _manutda9799 _manutda9798 FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 000000 FFFFFF _manutd39698 _manutd39698 _manutd39698 _manutd39698 _blacktop 0000C0 0000C0 0000C0 0000C0 0000C0 1996–97 1998–99 The 1997–98 season was Manchester United's sixth season in the Premier League, and their 23rd consecutive season in the top division of English football.http://www.stretfordend.co.uk/seasons/season1998.html Manchester United Season 1997/98 8 October 2007 StretfordEnd.co.uk The campaign ended poorly, having been pipped to the Premier League title by Arsenal, who managed a ten-match winning streak in the last two months of the season, as well as being eliminated by league strugglers Barnsley and French outfit AS Monaco in the FA Cup Fifth Round and UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals respectively. To make matters worse, United entered March still in contention for a League and European double after opening up a 12-point gap, regardless of the fact that nearest challengers Arsenal had three games in hand. Thus, the season ended with only the Charity Shield in the cabinet. Following the loss of captain and star striker, Eric Cantona at the end of the previous season, Ferguson acquired the services of England international Teddy Sheringham as a direct replacement on a three-year deal from Tottenham Hotspur for £3.5 million.http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/england/players/sheringhamteddy.html Teddy Sheringham ESPN Soccernet 18 July 2002 8 December 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110604064749/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/archive/england/players/sheringhamteddy.html 4 June 2011 Cantona's departure meant that Roy Keane was promoted as captain and a reshuffle of squad numbers occurred; David Beckham was awarded the coveted number 7 shirt and Sheringham was given Beckham's former squad number 10. Henning Berg was the only other new face to arrive at Old Trafford from Blackburn Rovers for a £5 million fee at the start of the season.Alan Nixon Football: Berg makes pounds 5m move to United https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-berg-makes-pounds-5m-move-to-united-1245136.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-berg-makes-pounds-5m-move-to-united-1245136.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent London 12 August 1997 29 July 2009 Pre-season and friendlies DateOpponentsH/AResultF–AScorersAttendance17 July 1997ThailandA2–0Butt 55', Natee 86' (o.g.)38,00020 July 1997South ChinaA1–0Cruyff 57'36,61122 July 1997Urawa Red DiamondsA2–1Solskjær (2) 13', 39'17,64227 July 1997InternazionaleAInter A1–1(1–4p)Butt 22'49,71830 July 1997InternazionaleH1–1Clegg 67'48,5795 August 1997Slavia PragueH2–2Poborský 1', Cooke 45'22,0755 October 1997Manchester CityA2–2Scholes 9', Notman 84'21,262 Colours: Green = Manchester United win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. FA Charity Shield 1997 FA Charity Shield Manchester United faced FA Cup winners Chelsea in the season's annual curtain raiser, the FA Charity Shield. The Premiership champions won the match 4–2 on penalties after both teams produced a 1–1 draw after 90 minutes. DateOpponentsH/AResultF–AScorersAttendance3 August 1997ChelseaN1–1(4–2p)Johnsen 57'73,636 Colours: Green = Manchester United win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. FA Premier League 1997–98 FA Premier League August–October Manchester United started their campaign to win an unprecedented third straight title at White Hart Lane — Teddy Sheringham's former stomping ground. An hour into his debut presented him with a chance to score from a dubious penalty, but he hit the post and blasted the rebound wide. What seemed like a pulsating draw turned out to be business as usual for the champions, who scored twice in the last ten minutes from a Nicky Butt strike and an own goal by hapless defender Ramon Vega.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-sheringham-has-the-final-word-1244850.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-sheringham-has-the-final-word-1244850.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Sheringham has the final word The Independent London Moore Glenn 11 August 1997 29 July 2009 David Beckham came off the bench to grab the winner against Southampton to ensure United remained in the driving seat and despite a lacklustre goalless draw to Leicester at Filbert Street, they managed a third straight clean sheet.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-wily-foxes-frustrate-united-1247165.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-wily-foxes-frustrate-united-1247165.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Wily Foxes frustrate United The Independent London Moore Glenn 25 August 1997 29 July 2009 Beckham kept up his ever-improving goal-scoring record while Sheringham poached his first goal for the club as Ferguson's all-conquering United dismantled Everton at Goodison Park. At home to Coventry, Andy Cole marked his return from minor surgery with a goal inside 73 seconds that left goalkeeper, Steve Ogrizovic completely bamboozled. Keane and Poborský added to the rout, which Ferguson and Coventry boss Gordon Strachan mutually agreed was a "flattering scoreline".https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-ferguson-hard-to-please-1236883.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-ferguson-hard-to-please-1236883.html 1 May 2022 subscription Ferguson hard to please The Independent London Hodgson Guy 1 September 1997 29 July 2009 The champions set the benchmark in August with five straight clean sheets and eight goals leaving them joint top with Blackburn Rovers. In such commanding form, pundits alike reckoned that it was a matter of time before they would resume their domestic supremacy. West Ham took some heart in their performance at Old Trafford by scoring the opening goal, thus breaking United's clean sheet record. The champions responded in typical fashion, scoring twice in both halves of the match to win a third on the trot and give Ferguson the perfect boost ahead of their midweek Champions League tie. Although victorious away to Košice, United couldn't break the deadlock in their next league match to Bolton, squandering numerous chances to remain at the top of the table, most notably from Andy Cole. The main talking point at the Reebok Stadium came in the 35th minute, when a brawl between Nathan Blake and Gary Pallister resulted in both players being controversially sent off. After the game, a furious Ferguson personally sent a video of the incident to The Football Association in the hope of the decision being rescinded. Referee Paul Durkin publicly admitted before the video arrived that, in hindsight, he had made the wrong decision.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-pallister-in-the-clear-as-referee-backs-down-1241139.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-pallister-in-the-clear-as-referee-backs-down-1241139.html 1 May 2022 subscription Pallister in the clear as referee backs down The Independent London Staniforth Tommy 25 September 1997 1 August 2009 Mark Hughes returned to Old Trafford and scored what looked to be the winner for Chelsea, before super-sub Ole Gunnar Solskjær popped in to earn a dramatic equaliser with four minutes to go. A first-half header from Leeds defender David Wetherall was enough to condemn United to their first defeat of the season and first in almost three months of football.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-fail-leeds-intelligence-test-1241841.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-fail-leeds-intelligence-test-1241841.html 1 May 2022 subscription live United fail Leeds' intelligence test The Independent London Shaw Phil 29 September 1997 29 July 2009 Worse was to come for the champions, as captain Roy Keane was ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage, although Ferguson revealed after the Leeds match that they hoped that he would be fit enough to play some part in their next Champions League game, at home to Juventus on the coming Wednesday.Fergie: Keane won't make it Daily Mirror UK Hughes Matt 17 October 1997 Schmeichel was placed as captain in his absence. Crystal Palace met Manchester United in the first week of October, looking to capitalise on their defeat to Leeds. Ferguson had anticipated that their midweek triumph at home to Italian giants Juventus would act as the "spark" to their league form.Alex Ferguson's post match thoughts to ITV Champions League Live – Manchester United vs. Juventus (1 October 1997) UEFA, ITV Sport 1 October 1997 The players have shown they can rise to the occasion. They have the capability to rise to the level and were against one of the best (Juventus). I feel it's a measure of how we've come and they needed that challenge because our league form hasn't been great. Hopefully this would be the spark. A 2–0 win – their first in four attempts – put them a point behind league leaders Arsenal. The first ever sell-out game at Derby's new £20 million Pride Park stadium saw the home side take a commanding 2–0 lead through Paulo Wanchope and Francesco Baiano. A third defeat in five games was on the cards for Alex Ferguson's side after Teddy Sheringham missed his second penalty of the season, but he quickly made amends, connecting his head with Gary Neville's inch-perfect cross. Cole, who was dropped from the first team for the Champions League tie at home to Feyenoord, came on with fifteen minutes of normal time remaining and grabbed a vital equaliser, drilling a low shot past the wretched Derby defence. Old Trafford welcomed Barnsley for the first time in over 60 years and a rampant United display helped them leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the Premiership for the first time since early September.KING COLE'S TYKE-AWAY; Man Utd 7 Barnsley 0: Who said he couldn't hit a Barn door? The People Bates Steve 26 October 1997 Andy Cole bagged a first half hat-trick and Scholes, Ryan Giggs (2) and Poborský followed up with goals in a breathtaking performance that gave the Tykes their ninth league defeat of the season. November–February Fergie's fledglings began November in the same fashion they ended the previous month – with a rout. Sheringham, Cole and Solskjær all scored twice each at home to Sheffield Wednesday, in a game that they could have scored so many more. David Pleat managed to get sympathy from Ferguson who admitted "every shot United had in the first half went in"https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-pleat-plummets-the-depths-as-united-soar-ever-higher-1291797.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-pleat-plummets-the-depths-as-united-soar-ever-higher-1291797.html 1 May 2022 subscription Pleat plummets the depths as United soar ever higher The Independent London Hodgson Guy 3 November 1997 29 July 2009 but not from the board, cumulating in his sacking the following Monday.PLEAT AXED; 6–1 thrashing last straw for doomed boss Daily Mirror UK Edwards John 3 November 1997 The talk of a one-horse race for the Premiership was put on hold after defeat to Arsenal at Highbury. The psychological impact of United opening up a seven-point lead had they won would have been too much ground to make up for the challengers. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger admitted before the game that defeat would make it "difficult for them" to catch up on United's ground but not "impossible".https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-all-red-and-all-conquering-1293041.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-all-red-and-all-conquering-1293041.html 1 May 2022 subscription All red and all conquering The Independent London Ridley Ian 9 November 1997 29 July 2009 The Gunners put themselves in front with Nicolas Anelka's first goal for the club and Patrick Vieira's swooping shot which left Schmeichel rattled. Sheringham's admirable brace just before half time left the match finely poised but former United trainee David Platt headed into the far corner with seven minutes left. Thumping Wimbledon courtesy of a Beckham brace and goals from Cole, Scholes and Butt was the perfect response after their second defeat of the season and United bettered it at home to Blackburn Rovers, the only team with an unbeaten away record. A 4–0 win ensured distance between themselves and the challengers, popping the question as to which team was capable of stopping them. The Red Devils managed to score 30 goals in the last nine fixtures prior to this game and qualification to the quarter finals of the Champions League meant that they could prolong their rich domestic goal-scoring form. Ferguson understandably quashed any sort of hype, but admitted that they were in an "ideal position", in comparison to the same point in the last season.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-solskjaers-goals-were-top-quality-and-hes-got-the-goal-instinct-1286143.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-solskjaers-goals-were-top-quality-and-hes-got-the-goal-instinct-1286143.html 1 May 2022 subscription live 'Solskjaer's goals were top quality and he's got the goal instinct' The Independent London Baker Steven 1 December 1997 29 July 2009 An early morning kick-off away to fierce rivals Liverpool ended in a routine victory for United. Losing to Juventus in the last match of the Champions League before hiatus had seemed to have no effect on United's domestic dominance. They comprehensively defeated Aston Villa thanks to a solitary Giggs goal and followed it up with a heroic Schmeichel performance to deny Newcastle United at St James' Park. British Prime Minister Tony Blair, a lifelong fan of the Geordies, was among the crowd and was in awe over Ferguson's team, believing that the manager had assembled "one of the greatest sides of the century".https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-are-pretty-awesome-even-when-not-at-their-best-says-blair-1290129.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-are-pretty-awesome-even-when-not-at-their-best-says-blair-1290129.html 1 May 2022 subscription live 'United are pretty awesome even when not at their best', says Blair The Independent London 22 December 1997 1 August 2009 Two out of two became three as Everton found no answer to deny the league leaders, who extended their lead at the top of the table to six points on Boxing Day. The win marked the end of Karel Poborský's spell, coming on for David Beckham in the second half ahead of a switch to Graeme Souness' Benfica.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/42890.stm Poborsky quits United 27 December 1997 29 July 2009 BBC News However, what was to come at the end of December exemplified the vulnerability of the defence during the second half of the season. In losing to mid-table Coventry City two days after the Everton win, United blew the chance to open up a nine-point lead at the top of the table, which would virtually slam the door shut on the challengers.CHUCKERBY; Coventry 3 Man Utd 2: United blow chance of nine-point lead on Darren's day Daily Mirror UK Moore David 29 December 1997 They again found themselves a goal down, this time courtesy of Noel Whelan, Solskjær and Sheringham responded to restore the advantage back on the champions but a Dion Dublin penalty and mazy run from youngster Darren Huckerby in the last minute ensured an implausible victory, given the fact that Coventry were 2–1 down with five minutes to go. Prior to the game, Ferguson highlighted the fact that the league "wasn't won in December", but following the defeat blasted his side's display as "silly" and "on the verge of complacency".Football: Fergie blasts stars The News Letter Curtis John 29 December 1997 As 1997 turned to 1998, an inspirational performance from Giggs helped a modest United side labour for a hard-earned three points and still maintain their desire for a fifth title in six seasons. A trip to the Dell to play Southampton – where United were undone last season repeated itself, this time by a solitary Kevin Davies goal in the third minute. The Saints pulled off a valiant performance, most notably from goalkeeper Paul Jones, who denied Solskjær from scoring right at the death of the second half.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/48914.stm Dell defeat baffles champions 20 January 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News Things went from bad to worse in January as Tony Cottee popped in to stun Old Trafford and score the winner for Leicester in what proved a wretched season for the striker. This was the Foxes first win in the league since November and United's first home defeat of the season and fifth altogether.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/52264.stm Leicester outfox United 31 January 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News 7 February marked the visit of Bolton Wanderers to Old Trafford on the 40th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, which killed seven United players, eight sports journalists and several club officials.http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/6/newsid_2535000/2535961.stm 1958: United players killed in air disaster 6 February 1958 25 September 2009 BBC News: On This Day Having gone a goal down to Bob Taylor's scrappy shot that bamboozled Gary Neville and Schmeichel, Andy Cole struck in a late equaliser with five minutes to go. In injury time, Gary Neville connected with a floating corner provided by Beckham, only for it to ricochet off the crossbar. Although they gained a point, United increased their lead due to their contenders' inability to close the gap.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/54456.stm United drop points but extend lead 7 February 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News They typically left it late to snatch the three points in their next match – away to Aston Villa – but followed it up against Derby County with a somewhat polished 2–0 victory. The only drawback that came out of the match was a hamstring injury suffered by Giggs that ruled him out of the FA Cup replay away to Barnsley and remained serious doubt for first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at Monaco.UNITED KO FOR GIGGS Sunday Mirror Leach Martin 22 February 1998 Giggs joined Scholes and Keane on the injury list, who both had knee injuries. Another early morning kick-off had meant United had the chance to open up an 11-point lead at the top of the table if they could beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They did via a rare goal from Phil Neville, which also ended the Blues' title challenge. Although Arsenal had three games in hand, a third successive title was within United's grasp.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-now-united-can-focus-on-europe-1147805.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-now-united-can-focus-on-europe-1147805.html 1 May 2022 subscription Now United can focus on Europe The Independent London Moore Glenn 2 March 1998 29 July 2009 March–May Ferguson's target of achieving an unassailable lead in the Premiership was coming into fruition. United managed to gain 22 points out of a possible 33 over the winter, in spite of the absence of first team regulars. Such a massive gap between themselves and the chasing pack with ten games remaining was enough for Manchester bookmaker Fred Done to pay out on punters who backed the champions in retaining their crown.UTD'S TITLE? TAKE IT AS RED; Bookie pays up with 10 games to go The Mirror Beal Peter 3 March 1998 Within several hours, £17,000 had been snapped up, irrespective if a late challenger had emerged.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-ferguson-set-to-call-on-uniteds-artisan-aspect-1148111.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-ferguson-set-to-call-on-uniteds-artisan-aspect-1148111.html 1 May 2022 subscription Ferguson set to call on United's artisan aspect The Independent London Moore Glenn 3 March 1998 3 August 2009 Drawing away to AS Monaco gave them a slender but crucial outcome but a shock defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday prevented them from opening up a 14-point advantage.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/63056.stm Champions thwarted at Hillsborough 7 March 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News The league leaders' dismal run continued; Paul Scholes scored his first goal in over four months to salvage a point at Upton Park. On the same night, Arsenal sealed a 1–0 win against Wimbledon to close the gap on United and set up a frantic contest between the top two on the Saturday. A late surge from the Gunners also reopened betting for the Premiership title race, much to the delight of Arsène Wenger.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tHAWAAAAIBAJ&pg=1443,6363503&dq=bookmaker+manchester+united Bookmakers resume taking bets 13 March 1998 29 July 2009 New Straits Times I told you last week that the race was not over when the bookmakers stopped betting. Surprise, surprise, they have started taking money again. Leading up to the potential championship decider, Ferguson was adamant that a win would just about seal this title.FERGIE: WE'RE THIS CLOSE TO THE TITLE; 'United just one win away' The Mirror Millar Steve 14 March 1998 If we win, it will just about clinch the title for us. After numerous attempts to break the deadlock in the match, Arsenal finally managed to score with 15 minutes left; Marc Overmars latched onto an Anelka header coming from a long ball and used his agility to flick it beyond the goalkeeper to give Arsenal the all-important lead and win.MARC OF CHAMPIONS; Overmars blows open title race Daily Express UK Lawrence Guy 15 March 1998 Peter Schmeichel, who was in agony in the closing stages was ruled out for the Monaco encounter on Wednesday with a hamstring injury. When asked which team was in the best position going into the finishing straight of the season, Wenger admitted to the press that United had a "small advantage" over the rest.Arsène Wenger's post match comments to Sky Sports Manchester United vs. Arsenal – Ford Football Special (14 March 1998) Sky Sports, BSkyB and FA Premier League 14 March 1998 I don't know. I think they (Manchester United) still have a small advantage because we have to take the points with the games we have in hand and that's not easy. Ferguson, however was bullish with his side's downturn and warned that it would be "inevitable" for Arsenal to lose points.Alex Ferguson's post match comments to Sky Sports Manchester United vs. Arsenal – Ford Football Special (14 March 1998) Sky Sports, BSkyB and FA Premier League 14 March 1998 I don't think they're any good of a footballing team as us; they (Arsenal) will find out points will be dropped at the end of the season – no question about that. Elimination to Monaco through the away goals ruling ended United's run in the European Cup but they showed their championship credentials, scoring twice late on at home to Wimbledon and extending their lead via thumping Blackburn. However, it left Arsenal six points behind with three games in hand.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/75167.stm Man Utd pull away 6 April 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News Liverpool frustrated the leaders on Good Friday, holding out for a draw after teenage sensation Michael Owen had been sent off by the referee for a double bookable offence in the 40th minute. Another draw, this time to Newcastle meant that Arsenal moved to the top of the table for the first time since October, having thrashed Blackburn 4–1 and Wimbledon 5–0 respectively.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/79939.stm Arsenal in title driving seat 18 April 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News United moved to within a point on Monday night after relegating Crystal Palace but Ferguson confessed only "a total collapse" would prevent the title heading towards North London.RIGHT TO THE BITTER END; C Palace 0 Man Utd 3: United fight on as Palace fall The Mirror Walters Mike 28 April 1998 By the time United kicked off their final home game of the season, Arsenal had recorded a tenth straight league victory at home to Everton and ensured their status as champions for the first time in seven years.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/87346.stm Arsenal crowned Premiership champions 3 May 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News Frenchman Arsène Wenger also became the first foreign manager to get his hands on the coveted trophy since its inception, in only his first full campaign. He completed a double three weeks later by winning the FA Cup, regarded by many fans and pundits alike as unthinkable given the circumstances four months ago.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-wenger-philosophy-expanding-arsenals-rich-potential-1159432.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-wenger-philosophy-expanding-arsenals-rich-potential-1159432.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Wenger philosophy expanding Arsenal's rich potential The Independent London Jones Ian 16 May 1998 29 July 2009 The Red Devils signed off their disappointing campaign on a high at home to Leeds and a comfortable victory away to the already relegated Barnsley. Alex Ferguson vowed to regain the trophy next season and promised a whole host of new signings, starting with Dutch defender, Jaap Stam.Stam warns Wenger: I'm ready for you The Mirror Millar Steve 1 May 1998 DateOpponentsH/AResultF–AScorersAttendanceLeagueposition10 August 1997Tottenham HotspurA2–0Butt 82', Vega 83' (o.g.)26,3591st13 August 1997SouthamptonH1–0Beckham 79'55,0082nd23 August 1997Leicester CityA0–021,2213rd27 August 1997EvertonA2–0Beckham 29', Sheringham 50'40,0792nd30 August 1997Coventry CityH3–0Cole 2', Keane 72', Poborský 90'55,0742nd13 September 1997West Ham UnitedH2–1Keane 21', Scholes 75'55,0681st20 September 1997Bolton WanderersA0–025,0001st24 September 1997ChelseaH2–2Scholes 35', Solskjær 86'55,1632nd27 September 1997Leeds UnitedA0–139,9522nd4 October 1997Crystal PalaceH2–0Sheringham 18', Hreiðarsson 30' (o.g.)55,1432nd18 October 1997Derby CountyA2–2Sheringham 51', Cole 83'30,0143rd25 October 1997BarnsleyH7–0Cole (3) 17', 19', 45', Giggs (2) 43', 57', Scholes 59', Poborský 80'55,1421st1 November 1997Sheffield WednesdayH6–1Sheringham (2) 13', 63', Newsome 20' (o.g.), Cole 39', Solskjær (2) 41', 75'55,2591st9 November 1997ArsenalA2–3Sheringham (2) 33', 40'38,2051st22 November 1997WimbledonA5–2Butt 48', Beckham (2) 67', 75', Scholes 81', Cole 85'26,3091st30 November 1997Blackburn RoversH4–0Solskjær (2) 17', 52', Henchoz 59' (o.g.), Kenna 84' (o.g.)55,1751st6 December 1997LiverpoolA3–1Cole (2) 51', 74', Beckham 70'41,0271st15 December 1997Aston VillaH1–0Giggs 52'55,1511st21 December 1997Newcastle UnitedA1–0Cole 67'36,7671st26 December 1997EvertonH2–0Berg 14', Cole 35'41,0271st28 December 1997Coventry CityA2–3Solskjær 31', Sheringham 48'23,0541st10 January 1998Tottenham HotspurH2–0Giggs (2) 44', 68'55,2811st19 January 1998SouthamptonA0–115,2411st31 January 1998Leicester CityH0–155,1561st7 February 1998Bolton WanderersH1–1Cole 85'55,1561st18 February 1998Aston VillaA2–0Beckham 83', Giggs 89'39,3721st21 February 1998Derby CountyH2–0Giggs 19', Irwin 71' (pen.)55,1701st28 February 1998ChelseaA1–0P. Neville 31'35,4111st7 March 1998Sheffield WednesdayA0–239,4271st11 March 1998West Ham UnitedA1–1Scholes 66'25,8921st14 March 1998ArsenalH0–155,1741st28 March 1998WimbledonH2–0Johnsen 83', Scholes 90'55,3061st6 April 1998Blackburn RoversA3–1Cole 56', Scholes 73', Beckham 90'30,5471st10 April 1998LiverpoolH1–1Johnsen 12'55,1711st18 April 1998Newcastle UnitedH1–1Beckham 38'55,1942nd27 April 1998Crystal PalaceA3–0Scholes 6', Butt 22', Cole 84'26,1802nd4 May 1998Leeds UnitedH3–0Giggs 6', Irwin 31' (pen.), Beckham 59'55,1672nd10 May 1998BarnsleyA2–0Cole 6', Sheringham 77'18,6942nd Colours: Green = Manchester United win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. MUN FA Cup 1997–98 FA Cup The draw for the third round of the FA Cup saw Manchester United take on cup holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a repeat of the 1994 final. The outcome was the same: United dominated from the outset and Chelsea found themselves 3–0 down before the end of the first half. Cole and Sheringham added to the rout, before Graeme Le Saux and Gianluca Vialli added three between them for Chelsea to keep the score a competitive one. Many journalists and fans regarded the win as United's best of the season.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-expose-chelsea-challenge-as-a-sham-1136832.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-expose-chelsea-challenge-as-a-sham-1136832.html 1 May 2022 subscription United expose Chelsea challenge as a sham The Independent London Moore Glenn 5 January 1998 In reality it was an exhibition, a showcase of the champions' footballing arts and desire, the twin pillars of their success. They were awesome. Another five goals were dished out against Division Two outfit Walsall, and in the fifth round they were placed alongside Premiership strugglers, Barnsley, whom they had ripped apart in October. An error by Schmeichel allowed Barnsley to take the lead but Sheringham equalised four minutes later. A replay was needed, much to the discomfort of Ferguson, and in a thrilling cup tie, United were knocked out, putting the ultimate treble dream – comprising the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup – on hold for another season.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/60186.stm Schmeichel slip-up wrecks treble dream 26 February 1998 29 July 2009 BBC News DateRoundOpponentsH/AResultF–AScorersAttendance4 January 1998Third roundChelseaA5–3Beckham (2) 23', 28', Cole (2) 45', 66', Sheringham 74'34,79224 January 1998Fourth roundWalsallH5–1Cole (2) 10', 66', Solskjær (2) 39', 68', Johnsen 74'54,69915 February 1998Fifth RoundBarnsleyH1–1Sheringham 42'54,70025 February 1998Fifth RoundReplayBarnsleyA2–3Sheringham 57', Cole 82'18,655 Colours: Green = Manchester United win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. League Cup 1997–98 Football League Cup The League Cup was clearly not one of Ferguson's main priorities of the season, as he used it to blood the younger and less-known players. After being swept aside in the Third Round by Ipswich Town – a team at the bottom of the First Division – Ferguson came under intense scrutiny for fielding a reshuffled squad. However, the manager felt that it was, at the time, an unwanted domestic distraction.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-kids-needed-cup-says-albiston-1236217.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-kids-needed-cup-says-albiston-1236217.html 1 May 2022 subscription Football: United kids needed cup says Albiston The Independent London 16 October 1997 29 July 2009 DateRoundOpponentsH/AResultF–AScorersAttendance14 October 1997Third roundIpswich TownA0–222,173 Colours: Green = Manchester United win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. UEFA Champions League _manutde9700 _manutde9700 E20E0E E20E0E E20E0E FFFFFF FFFFFF The club launched a new home kit specifically for European games. Group stage 1997–98 UEFA Champions League group stage European dominance was at the forefront of United's agenda during the 1997–98 season. Having failed to take their chances in a semi-final against eventual champions Borussia Dortmund in 1996–97, Ferguson was resolute to go one step further and emulate Matt Busby's success of 1968, quashing any talk that his team was not good enough.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/we-can-go-one-step-better--ferguson-1269049.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/we-can-go-one-step-better--ferguson-1269049.html 1 May 2022 subscription live 'We can go one step better' – Ferguson 24 April 1997 29 July 2009 The Independent London Guy Hodgson Early autumn marked the return of the Champions League and Manchester United were paired up with Italian champions, Juventus, Dutch giants Feyenoord and Slovakians Košice in Group B. Ferguson's men started their quest away to Košice; it didn't take them long to stamp their authority – Denis Irwin tapped in an intercepted cross, Henning Berg scored his first goal with a thumping header and Andy Cole completed the rout three minutes from time with a composed finish.THREE CHEERS; Cole crowns it for Fergie's heroes The Mirror Millar Steve 18 September 1997 The first night of October brought Juventus to Old Trafford in what was to be perhaps one of the best European matches ever staged at Old Trafford. After going a goal down inside 24 seconds to Alessandro Del Piero's cool finish, Teddy Sheringham replied with a looping header before Scholes put United into the lead, dribbling round Angelo Peruzzi to place the ball in the back of the net. Giggs fired into the top left hand corner to give them an historic win. Juventus were given a late consolidation from a Zinedine Zidane free-kick. After the game, an ecstatic Ferguson felt United were in a "great position" and emphasised his belief that his squad was capable of winning the tournament. Feyenoord were the next to feel the wrath of United in a back-to-back fixture. A penalty from Irwin in the home tie helped ensure the Mancunians would increase their tally to nine points, and a hat-trick from Andy Cole in Rotterdam helped maintain their 100% record in the group stage. However, the game was marred by a high tackle on defender Denis Irwin by Feyenoord midfielder Paul Bosvelt (leaving the Irish international six weeks out at a crucial stage of the season and causing something of a media frenzy back in Britain) and constant clashes between both sets of fans.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-ferguson-faces-uefa-censure-as-irwin-misses-six-weeks-1292612.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-ferguson-faces-uefa-censure-as-irwin-misses-six-weeks-1292612.html 1 May 2022 subscription Ferguson faces Uefa censure as Irwin misses six weeks The Independent London Hodgson Guy 7 November 1997 29 July 2009 Dutch fans blamed for football violence http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/23532.stm BBC News BBC 6 November 1997 1 April 2011 Nevertheless, United were placed as favourites for the competition, largely due to their impressive start,United favourites for Champions League http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/34999.stm BBC News BBC 27 November 1997 29 July 2009 and a routine 3–0 win at home to Košice ensured qualification to the knockout stage as group winners. Filippo Inzaghi's late header ended United's unbeaten streak in Europe in their last match away to Juventus, ensuring their qualification as one of the best two runners-up. DateOpponentsH/AResultF–AScorersAttendanceGroupposition17 September 1997KošiceA3–0Irwin 30', Berg 62', Cole 88'9,9502nd1 October 1997JuventusH3–2Sheringham 38', Scholes 69', Giggs 90'53,4281st22 October 1997FeyenoordH2–1Scholes 32', Irwin 73' (pen.)53,1881st5 November 1997FeyenoordA3–1Cole (3) 31', 44', 75'51,0001st27 November 1997KošiceH3–0Cole 40', Faktor 85' (o.g.), Sheringham 90'53,5351st10 December 1997JuventusA0–147,7861st Colours: Green = Manchester United win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. Group B n MUN Knockout phase 1997–98 UEFA Champions League knockout stage United were drawn against French champions AS Monaco in the quarter-finals,United draw Monaco in Champions' Cup http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/40341.stm BBC News BBC 17 December 1997 26 September 2014 and drew 0–0 and 1–1 in the first and second legs respectively.Uneven pitch produces dull tie http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/62194.stm BBC News BBC 5 March 1998 26 September 2014Glenn Moore Monaco and bust for sorry United https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-monaco-and-bust-for-sorry-united-1151168.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-monaco-and-bust-for-sorry-united-1151168.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent 19 March 1998 26 September 2014 AS Monaco went through on away goals, as the second leg was played at Old Trafford. DateRoundOpponentsH/AResultF–AScorersAttendance4 March 1998Quarter-finalFirst legAS MonacoA0–015,00018 March 1998Quarter-finalSecond legAS MonacoH1–1Solskjær 53'53,683 Colours: Green = Manchester United win; Yellow = draw; Red = opponents win. Squad statistics No.CL no.Some players were assigned a different squad number specifically for the Champions League. "nb"Pos.NameLeagueFA CupLeague CupEuropeOtherTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsYellow Cards13pxRed Cards13px11GKDEN Peter Schmeichel320400070104400022DFENG Gary Neville3402(1)000800044(1)03033DFIRL Denis Irwin23(2)23(1)00(1)0621033(4)42044DFENG David May7(2)0101000009(2)04055DFNOR Ronny Johnsen18(4)23110501128(4)42066DFENG Gary Pallister330300060104307177MFENG David Beckham34(3)93(1)200800(1)045(5)116088MFENG Nicky Butt31(2)31000701040(2)37099FWENG Andy Cole31(2)1535106(1)51042(3)25501010FWENG Teddy Sheringham28(3)92(1)300721038(4)14501111MFWAL Ryan Giggs28(1)82000511036(1)9201212DFENG Phil Neville24(6)130105(2)01034(8)1701313MFSCO Brian McClair2(11)030100(3)0006(14)0001414MFNED Jordi Cruyff3(2)00(1)010000(1)04(4)0101515MFCZE Karel Poborský3(7)200102(2)0006(9)2101616MFIRL Roy Keane (c)9200001010112101717GKNED Raimond van der Gouw4(1)0001010006(1)0001818MFENG Paul Scholes28(3)8200(1)06(1)21037(5)10902020FWNOR Ole Gunnar Solskjær15(7)61(1)2003(3)10019(11)9212121DFNOR Henning Berg23(4)120005(2)10030(6)2402224FWNOR Erik Nevland0(1)02(1)00(1)000002(3)0002323MFENG Ben Thornley0(5)0201000003(5)01024–DFENG John O'Kane000000000000002525GKENG Kevin Pilkington200000000020002626DFENG Chris Casper000000000000002722MFENG Terry Cooke000000000000002828MFNIR Philip Mulryne100(1)01000002(1)00029–MFENG Michael Appleton0000000000000030–DFENG Ronnie Wallwork0(1)0000000000(1)0003129DFENG John Curtis3(5)0001000004(5)0003219DFENG Michael Clegg1(2)02(1)0000(1)0003(4)00033–GKENG Nick Culkin0000000000000034–MFENG Michael Twiss000(1)00000000(1)00035–DFENG Wes Brown1(1)0000000001(1)0003627FWSCO Alex Notman0000000000000037–MFENG Jonathan Greening0000000000000038–DFENG Danny Higginbotham0(1)0000000000(1)000 Note: In the following table figures, in brackets are substitution appearances. "nb" Transfers United's first departure of the 1997–98 season was Gareth Macklin, who signed for Newcastle United on a free transfer on 1 July. Five days later, Gary Bickerton, Jamie Byers, Christopher Calderone, and Jonathan Phillips were all released. On 22 July, Jon Macken signed for Preston North End for a fee of £250,000, while six days later, Pat McGibbon signed for Wigan Athletic for the same fee. Simon Davies joined Luton Town on 1 August, while a week later, Michael Appleton joined Macken at Preston North End, with Appleton's fee being double Macken's. Stephen Newman joined Middlesbrough on 26 September. Arriving during the summer were Norwegian duo Erik Nevland and Henning Berg, who signed from Viking and Blackburn Rovers respectively. Both players would eventually rejoin their old clubs, with Nevland rejoining Viking in 1999, and Berg going back to Blackburn in 2000. Leaving in the winter were Czech midfielder Karel Poborský, English forward Neil Mustoe, and English defender John O'Kane. Andy Duncan joined Cambridge United on 1 April, while on 12 June, Grant Brebner joined Reading. Robert Trees departed to Bristol Rovers on 14 June, while on 30 June, Stuart Brightwell, David Brown, Brian McClair, Ross Millard, Gavin Naylor, and Kevin Pilkington left. On 24 March, Jonathan Greening joined from York City for a fee of £750,000. In Date Pos. Name From Fee 2 July 1997 FW NOR Erik Nevland NOR Viking £1.5mAlan Nixon Football: United snap up Nevland https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-snap-up-nevland-1264444.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-snap-up-nevland-1264444.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent London 31 May 1997 20 March 2015 11 August 1997 DF NOR Henning Berg ENG Blackburn Rovers £5m 24 March 1998 MF ENG Jonathan Greening ENG York City £750kCatherine Riley Football: Seaman blow for Arsenal https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-seaman-blow-for-arsenal-1152373.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-seaman-blow-for-arsenal-1152373.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London 25 March 1998 20 March 2015 Out Date Pos. Name To Fee 1 July 1997 DF NIR Gareth Macklin ENG Newcastle United Free 6 July 1997 FW ENG Gary Bickerton Released Free DF ENG Jamie Byers Released Free GK ENG Christopher Calderone Released Free FW ENG Jonathan Phillips Released Free 22 July 1997 FW ENG Jon Macken ENG Preston North End £250k 28 July 1997 DF NIR Pat McGibbon ENG Wigan Athletic £250kAlan Nixon Football: Rovers will sell Le Saux for pounds 7.5m https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-rovers-will-sell-le-saux-for-pounds-75m-1253333.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-rovers-will-sell-le-saux-for-pounds-75m-1253333.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London 30 July 1997 20 March 2015 1 August 1997 MF WAL Simon Davies ENG Luton Town £200k 8 August 1997 MF ENG Michael Appleton ENG Preston North End £500k 26 September 1997 MF ENG Stephen Newham ENG Middlesbrough Free 30 December 1997 MF CZE Karel Poborský POR Benfica £2mPoborsky quits United http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/42890.stm BBC News BBC 27 December 1997 31 March 2012 31 December 1997 FW ENG Neil Mustoe ENG Wigan Athletic FreeFootball: transfers https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-transfers-1136565.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-transfers-1136565.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent London 3 January 1998 20 March 2015 29 January 1998 DF ENG John O'Kane ENG Everton £400kRaid on Spurs that made Rams great https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-sideslines-1142004.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/football-sideslines-1142004.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London 31 January 1998 20 March 2015 1 April 1998 DF ENG Andy Duncan ENG Cambridge United £20k 12 June 1998 MF SCO Grant Brebner ENG Reading £100kSporting digest: Football https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sporting-digest-football-1164706.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/sporting-digest-football-1164706.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London 13 June 1998 20 March 2015 14 June 1998 MF ENG Robert Trees ENG Bristol Rovers Free 30 June 1998 MF ENG Stuart Brightwell ENG Hartlepool United Free MF ENG David Brown ENG Hull City Free FW SCO Brian McClair SCO Motherwell FreeAlan Nixon Football: United move to keep Kidd from Everton https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-move-to-keep-kidd-from-everton-1167652.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-united-move-to-keep-kidd-from-everton-1167652.html 1 May 2022 subscription The Independent London 26 June 1998 20 March 2015 DF ENG Ross Millard ENG Northwich Victoria Free FW ENG Gavin Naylor ENG Middlesbrough Free GK ENG Kevin Pilkington ENG Port Vale Free Loan out Date From Date To Position Name To 1 August 1997 6 October 1997 FW ENG Graeme Tomlinson ENG AFC Bournemouth 1 August 1997 1 September 1997 MF ENG Robert Trees ENG Stalybridge Celtic 5 September 1997 5 November 1997 DF ENG Chris Casper ENG Swindon Town 20 October 1997 30 June 1998 GK ENG Paul Gibson ENG Mansfield Town 30 October 1997 30 November 1997 DF ENG John O'Kane ENG Bradford City 17 December 1997 1 April 1998 DF ENG Paul Teather ENG AFC Bournemouth 19 December 1997 25 February 1998 DF ENG Ronnie Wallwork ENG Carlisle United 9 January 1998 7 February 1998 MF SCO Grant Brebner ENG Cambridge United 9 January 1998 1 April 1998 DF ENG Andy Duncan ENG Cambridge United 23 February 1998 1 May 1998 MF ENG Mark Wilson WAL Wrexham 26 February 1998 31 May 1998 MF SCO Grant Brebner SCO Hibernian 18 March 1998 4 May 1998 DF ENG Ronnie Wallwork ENG Stockport County 26 March 1998 31 May 1998 FW ENG David Brown ENG Hull City 26 March 1998 26 April 1998 FW ENG Graeme Tomlinson ENG Millwall 31 March 1998 10 April 1998 GK ENG Kevin Pilkington SCO Celtic 15 April 1998 1 July 1998 FW NOR Erik Nevland NOR Viking Footnotes Paul Ince joined Internazionale in August 1995, in a £7.5 million transfer. As part of the deal that took the England midfielder to Inter, both teams mutually agreed to participate in the Pirelli Cup and a friendly at Old Trafford.http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/manu/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/97/07/30/SOCCER_Man_Utd.html&TEAMHD=manu&DIV=prem&TEAM=MANCHESTER--UNITED&RH=Manchester--United&PREV_SEASON=1996 Man Utd 1, Inter Milan 1 30 July 1997 4 August 2009 Sporting Life 5 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110605030819/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/manu/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/97/07/30/SOCCER_Man_Utd.html&TEAMHD=manu&DIV=prem&TEAM=MANCHESTER--UNITED&RH=Manchester--United&PREV_SEASON=1996 dead References 1997–98 Manchester United F.C. kits Category:Manchester United F.C. seasons Manchester United