Looking back at everything you need to know from the 1997/98 Manchester United season.
The 1997/98 season is often remembered as a transitional year for Manchester United that ended without a major trophy.
United came second in the Premier League after finishing one point adrift of Arsenal.
- Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
It was the first full campaign since Eric Cantona’s shock retirement, and his replacement, Teddy Sheringham, took time to adapt to the role.
The Red Devils suffered a huge blow at the beginning of the season when Roy Keane suffered a cruciate ligament injury during a match against rivals Leeds. Former Leeds ace Alf-Inge Haaland infamously shouted in Keane’s face as he lay on the pitch in agony.
Will Ryan Giggs ever be overtaken as English football’s most decorated player?
Ryan Giggs incredible honours list 🏆
- Premier League x13
- FA Cup x4
- League Cup x4
- Champions League x2
- UEFA Super Cup
- Intercontinental Cup
- Club World Cup
- Manchester United’s all-time record appearance maker
Keane’s injury deprived United of their most influential leader, and it proved costly because United threw away an 11-point lead over Arsenal that they held in March.
A decent run in the Champions League saw United reach the quarter-finals before losing to Monaco. They also suffered elimination in the FA Cup fifth round and League Cup third round.
Season outcome and top scorer
- Premier League position: 2nd
- Points total: 77
- FA Cup: Fifth round
- League Cup: Third round
- Champions League: Quarter-final
- Trophies: 0
Andy Cole finished the season as United’s top scorer with 25 goals. The England international scored 15 goals in the Premier League that season.
- Top scorer: Andy Cole – 25
Signings
- Teddy Sheringham
- Henning Berg
Memorable matches
Here is a throwback to the biggest matches of the 1997/98 season.
Manchester United 3-2 Juventus
Juventus had reached the previous two finals, so they had the reputation of one of Europe’s best teams.
The Italians took the lead after 30 minutes, but goals from Sheringham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs saw United battle back and show they could compete with the elite.
Manchester United 7-0 Barnsley
This remains one of the greatest attacking displays in Premier League history.
Cole netted a first half hat-trick and Giggs scored a brace.
Karl Poborsky and Scholes also got their names on the scoresheet.
Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United
United fought back to make it 2-2 after trailing by two goals, with Sheringham scoring two headers.
A late goal from David Platt secured the three points for Arsenal as the Gunners went on to win the title by a point.
Chelsea 3-5 Manchester United
This one will go down as a classic FA Cup encounter.
Beckham and Cole scored a brace before Sheringham made it 5-0, but Chelsea tried to force a late comeback by scoring three goals.
United’s early dominance proved crucial.
Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson perfectly captures the ethos of believing in youngsters 🔥👏
Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down. These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.
Sir Alex Ferguson speaking at the opening of Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium in 2017
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal completed the double over United on the day many believe the title was lost.
Marc Overmars scored the only goal at Old Trafford. It provided Arsenal with enough momentum to go on and win the Double that season.
Manchester United 1-1 Monaco
There was heartbreak at Old Trafford after a scoreless draw in France.
A young David Trezeguet scored a powerful strike in the fifth minute and that away goal led to United’s elimination, despite an equaliser from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the night.
What else happened in the 1997/98 season?
Following on from Cantona’s retirement, Keane became club captain and Beckham took the iconic No 7 shirt.
Wes Brown became an academy graduate when he made his senior debut against Leeds in May 1998.
United scored more goals (73) than any other club in the Premier League.
Peter Schmeichel kept more clean sheets (20) than any other goalkeeper in the league.
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