Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may have a big role to play in protecting Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest achievement.
When it comes to great footballing success of our lifetimes, Sir Alex Ferguson achieving The Treble in 1999 was the best ever.
Sir Alex led Manchester United to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. He came close to repeating it in 2008 too.
Nobody has come close to repeating it since. But right now, Manchester City are making us a little nervous.
The Treble is in Manchester United’s hands
Pep Guardiola’s City are currently looking worryingly good. The uniqueness of Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1999 Treble is under threat.
In the Premier League, the title is in their hands. Still behind Arsenal, they have to play the Gunners at The Etihad, and many expect Mikel Arteta’s side to crumble.
Last night in the Champions League, City took a step towards the semi-finals, beating Bayern in the first leg. There’s a long way to go there. But what if it all came down to the FA Cup?
City are in the other semi-final against Sheffield United. They will probably get through. If Manchester United can beat Brighton, it would set up an all Manchester derby final.
Manchester United v Manchester City at Wembley would be a huge game as it is, with just the FA Cup on the line.
But what if City arrive at Wembley on May 3 as Premier League champions, with a Champions League final a week later?
We can’t rely on anybody else to stop them. Manchester United have an opportunity play spoiler, with Erik ten Hag’s side ensuring Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievements remain a one-off.
Winning the FA Cup, a domestic double in Erik ten Hag’s first season would be a big achievement in itself. Who knows, there may be a cup treble, with the Europa League in play too.
But the FA Cup will take on extra historical significance if it denies City their own Treble. This would really turn a Manchester United win into a double celebration.
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