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A story in images – Throwback to Man United’s miraculous Champions League glory in 1999

published :

May 27, 2020

A look back at Man United’s historic Champions League victory over Bayern Munich

May 26, 1999, is a special date in Manchester United history. Manchester United took on Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final.

On this night, the club proved that the match is never over until the fat lady sings. And for United, she only began his closing tone as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wheeled away in celebration.

In spite of their domestic dominance, Untied had not been able to transcend it to the continental stage. They were given an opportunity to win the biggest prize in Europe in 1999 at the Nou Camp.

Bayern started off to strongly as Mario Basler gave the Germans a sixth-minute lead from a freekick. Having to make do without Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, United failed to make the most of dominating the ball.

A well organized German defence kept the Red Devils at bay. We went into the break trailing by a goal.

Bayern came out strong in the second half and had numerous chances to settle the tie. The likes of Mehmet Scholl, Basler, Carsten Jancker, Markus Babbel, and Steffan Effenberg all went close for the Germans.

Two key substitutions, two memorable goals

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came on with ten minutes remaining and immediately forced Oliver Kahn into a save. It was United’s best chance of the game until then. Little did he know it was to get so much better.

Solskjaer and felloe substitute Teddy Sheringham breathed new life into the United attack as they kept pushing for an equalizer. They got their reward in the first minute of stoppage time. Sheringham was at hand to swipe in a right-footed shot and United was level.

Two minutes later, he was once again in the thick of things. David Beckham’s corner looked to be headed wide by Sheringham, only for Solskjaer to stick out his foot and direct the ball into the goal.

United had done the impossible. In just two minutes, the game had been turned on its head. Bayern players collapsed in disbelief as United stars celebrated around them.

Sir Alex Ferguson had done it. United were not just EPL champions but also European champions.

The victory at the Nou Camp ensured that United ended the season with a treble of the league, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. A feat that has not been repeated since.

We take a look at some of the defining pictures from the night below.