United Beyond Manchester

On Sunday, Manchester United will face Coventry City for a place in the FA Cup Final. United has a storied history in the competition and has won the trophy twelve times. In April 1999, Manchester United faced Arsenal in a Semi-Final Replay after the first match was drawn 0-0. Today, we look at one of the legendary moments that led Manchester United to the 1998-1999 treble.

Because of the goal we will look at momentarily, David Beckham’s stunning goal in the 17th minute is often forgotten. Teddy Sheringham laid the ball back to David Beckham, who struck the ball perfectly from distance into the far corner. This goal put United up 1-0 until a 69th-minute goal from Dennis Bergkamp. Bergkamp’s goal also came from distance but took a wicked deflection past Peter Schmeichel.

The 74th minute is where the chaos started. United captain Roy Keane was sent off for a second yellow card after bringing down Marc Overmars. This left Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to play the rest of the match with ten men. Arsenal had the chance to win it in stoppage time, as Phil Neville conceded a penalty. Arsenal’s star Bergkamp stepped up to take the penalty, but Peter Schmeichel guessed correctly and made the save to his left to send the match to extra-time. This save allowed for one of the most legendary goals for Manchester United in the FA Cup.

Ryan Giggs picked up the ball in the United half after a poor ball across from Patrick Vieira. Giggs tore into the Arsenal half and first beat Vieira, who he put off balance with a feint to his right. Giggs kept driving and cut by Lee Dixon before splitting Dixon and Martin Keown, who he left on the ground on his way into the box. The Welsh winger still had it all to do, as the angle was tight, and Arsenal captain Tony Adams was sliding in from the far side. Giggs blasted his finish over the head of David Seaman to give Manchester United an improbable 2-1 lead and cap one of the best solo-run goals we have ever seen. Giggs wheeled away, removed his shirt, and swung it around over his head before celebrating with his teammates.

“It’s a wonderful run from Giggs, sensational goal from Ryan Giggs. He’s cut Arsenal to ribbons.”

Martin Tyler

After the Giggs goal, Ferguson’s side held on to claim the 2-1 victory that broke the hearts of the Arsenal faithful. Manchester United went on to beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the Final to claim the FA Cup leg of the treble.

Hopefully, Manchester United will not need a goal like Giggs’ to book a place in this year’s Final. If they do, which current player could produce a moment of magic to lead this season’s Reds?