When Ferguson announced his team for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, there were a few raised eyebrows, including from within his own camp.
Both Paul Scholes and Roy Keane were unavailable through suspension but even disregarding that, the team looked unusual. Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist started on the left wing, which meant Giggs was moved to the right and Beckham into central midfield.
Blomqvist had deputised for Giggs on plenty of occasions during the season but only scored once in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Giggs says that right wing was “not a position that I enjoyed playing at all”.
McClaren reveals he tried to convince Ferguson to reconsider his team, but that his manager insisted he had already told Blomqvist he would be playing.
Schmeichel says the team felt “unbalanced” and full-back Denis Irwin says he would “never have called” that selection.
Meanwhile, defender David May, who was left out of the starting XI, says there were “a few things” he wanted to say to his manager but “wouldn’t” and “couldn’t” because of the respect he had for him.
United were frustrated for much of the match. When Sheringham replaced Blomqvist after 67 minutes, Beckham was returned to the right wing and with five minutes to play, Giggs moved back to the left.
Right-back Neville says that’s when “things started to feel normal”.
Flaming balloon cauldron marks start of 2024 Olympic GamesSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxingSign
Hosted by Ceredigion Sports Council and Ceredigion Actif at Penmorfa Council Offices, Aberaeron, the event recognised dedication across eight award categori
After a rain-soaked opening ceremony like no other, sport will take centre stage at the Paris Olympics on Saturday.Medals will be awarded in the French capital
The Paris 2024 Olympics began with a groundbreaking – and rain-soaked – opening ceremony, the first to be staged outside a stadium.Here, the PA news agency