SEASON 97/98
An ultimately disappointing season which started promisingly, as United remained unbeaten until the end of September. The shock of Eric Cantona's retirement had begun to subside, as the players realised they would have to go on without the Frenchman, and Roy Keane was named as the third club captain in as many years. Teddy Sheringham was drafted in as a replacement for Cantona, and the pressure fell on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to repeat his astounding first season at the club. A Charity Shield win over Chelsea set the Reds up for a good stretch at the start of the season, which was ended by defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. But the biggest loss that day was that of Roy Keane, who sustained a serious leg injury while tackling Alg Inge Haaland. Keane would not be seen again this season. A loss to Ipswich Town in the first round of the Coca-Cola Cup was a let-down, if not totally unexpected. A weakened team took the field, with many youth and reserve team players getting a run-out. Going out of the FA Cup was not taken so lightly, however. A thrilling 5-3 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was followed by a tie against Barnsley. A 1-1 draw was fought out at Old Trafford, and a replay was needed, which was lost despite the core of the first team being on show. The Chelsea game, good as it was, seemed to be a turning point in the season. United seemed to tire quickly, and never regained the zest of that Saturday in January. March saw the first major disappointment of the season, as United managed to gain a 0-0 draw away to Monaco, but a 1-1 tie at Old Trafford saw the Reds crash out of the European Champions' League at the quarter-final stage. League form also took a dive from March onwards, when injuries and suspensions took their toll, and United only won 5 out of the last 10 games as Arsenal came from behind to snatch the League title by a single point. The Gunners would go on to claim the double, beating Newcastle United in the FA Cup final. Before Christmas, bookmakers had stopped taking bets on United successfully defending their title. One Manchester bookie actually paid out on all United bets. But it was not to be. United had to be satisfied with 2nd place in the League, and another year of European disappointment.

League Position: 2