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1999: The Treble and All That
In 1999, Manchester United completed a unique Treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League - but more remarkable than that was how they did it, and the stories behind the historic achievement. Matt Dickinson covered the whole story at the time, and now in 99 compelling chapters brings it all vividly to life.
When the season began, Manchester United were up for sale, the club's iconic talisman Eric Cantona had gone, rivals Arsenal were the reigning Double winners, David Beckham was a national hate figure after being sent off during the World Cup, and even manager Alex Ferguson's position was being questioned. Early signs weren't promising, despite record spending to bring in new stars, among them Jaap Stam and Dwight Yorke, but soon things began to change.
Driven by the indomitable will of skipper Roy Keane, supported by a nucleus from the Class of 92 - Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, the Nevilles and Paul Scholes - who had grown up at the club, they went on a long unbeaten and unbeatable run, featuring some of the most dramatic games in fans' memories. Matt Dickinson highlights the key moments, speaking to those at the centre of the story and to those whose moment went unnoticed. 1999:The Treble and All That is so much more than a book for United fans; it is an insight into team building, the will to success and a tale of local pride. It reveals the real stories behind the legend that was sealed with a last-minute scrambled goal from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to win the Champions League.
When the season began, Manchester United were up for sale, the club's iconic talisman Eric Cantona had gone, rivals Arsenal were the reigning Double winners, David Beckham was a national hate figure after being sent off during the World Cup, and even manager Alex Ferguson's position was being questioned. Early signs weren't promising, despite record spending to bring in new stars, among them Jaap Stam and Dwight Yorke, but soon things began to change.
Driven by the indomitable will of skipper Roy Keane, supported by a nucleus from the Class of 92 - Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, the Nevilles and Paul Scholes - who had grown up at the club, they went on a long unbeaten and unbeatable run, featuring some of the most dramatic games in fans' memories. Matt Dickinson highlights the key moments, speaking to those at the centre of the story and to those whose moment went unnoticed. 1999:The Treble and All That is so much more than a book for United fans; it is an insight into team building, the will to success and a tale of local pride. It reveals the real stories behind the legend that was sealed with a last-minute scrambled goal from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to win the Champions League.
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Published August 18, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 27, 2023
I approached this book wondering whether it was possible to say anything new about Manchester United’s 1999 season, particularly as I was lucky enough to attend quite a few games that year. But it somehow manages it, helped by the author’s sharp prose, and the fact he was able to interview so many of the key characters in the story.
The book is arranged in 99 snapshots, little vignettes which give it a real pace. We are also at a point in history whereby 1999 genuinely feels like a different time, both in terms of the football and wider social values. This was almost pre-internet, and certainly pre-smart phones.
The one weakness - if I was being really picky - was that a couple of the descriptions of key moments lacked a certain flourish. He’s a good writer but he’s no Hugh Mcilvanney, although comparing him to McIlvanney is harsh bordering on the profane.
But if you are a United fan - and particularly someone who happened to be in Barcelona on 26th May 1999 – this is a book that you need to read. Revisiting the greatest season in our history was a genuine pleasure, and one which I suspect I might go back to from time to time.
The book is arranged in 99 snapshots, little vignettes which give it a real pace. We are also at a point in history whereby 1999 genuinely feels like a different time, both in terms of the football and wider social values. This was almost pre-internet, and certainly pre-smart phones.
The one weakness - if I was being really picky - was that a couple of the descriptions of key moments lacked a certain flourish. He’s a good writer but he’s no Hugh Mcilvanney, although comparing him to McIlvanney is harsh bordering on the profane.
But if you are a United fan - and particularly someone who happened to be in Barcelona on 26th May 1999 – this is a book that you need to read. Revisiting the greatest season in our history was a genuine pleasure, and one which I suspect I might go back to from time to time.
February 10, 2023
A very enjoyable trip down memory Lane. Surprisingly light on details from specific matches of the year and the short chapters can be disconcerting at times.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews