It is easy to forget the pressure United were under as they sought their first title in 26 years. They were eighth when Alex Ferguson signed Eric Cantona in November. The Frenchman revitalised United and they eventually pipped Aston Villa and Norwich with a run of seven successive wins, including Steve Bruce's legendary 96th-minute winner against Sheffield Wednesday
The most romantic of Ferguson's titles. Alan Hansen infamously said United could not win anything with kids – but they had Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel in the form of their lives: the pair combined in a series of 1-0 wins in the run-in as United obliterated Newcastle's 12-point lead and drove Kevin Keegan to a public meltdown
Ferguson had gone three years without a title and José Mourinho's Chelsea were apparently omnipotent. Then United hit the ground sprinting, with four goals against Fulham in the first 19 minutes of the season. With Cristiano Ronaldo moving from good to great, Ferguson's team swaggered to the title
The first part of a historic Treble came after a magnificent, unyielding race with an outstanding Arsenal team – still probably the toughest opponents Ferguson has overcome. The instant chemistry of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole was crucial as United's irresistible force finally shifted Arsenal's immovable object on the final day
Arsenal were superior for much of the campaign, with United hanging on through mental strength and a stream of late winners. Then they hit form. Ruud van Nistelrooy smashed 13 goals in eight games and United gobbled up Arsenal's eight-point lead with some blistering football, never more so than in a startling 6-2 win at Newcastle
Obliterating a superior Manchester City with four games to spare is a stunning achievement probably beyond any other manager in the world. Purely in terms of turning resources into points, this has been Ferguson's greatest triumph at Old Trafford, but at times United's football has stunk.. To some, the relative poverty of that football will reduce the achievement; to others it will enhance it. And City, though good, do not compare to the great domestic rivals United have had in Ferguson's time. Had the two halves of the season been reversed – with United romping to the title after a series of thrilling games, outrageous comebacks and with victories at Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City, rather than wheezing over the line with a series of scruffy 1-0s and 2-0s – it would probably be judged even more favourably
The fact that this was arguably the weakest of Ferguson's title sides makes this one of his worthier achievements – especially as it was United's record-breaking 19th title. The squad was a peculiar mix of youth and experience, humility and arrogance, flair and diligence. It's hard to imagine anyone but Ferguson getting so much out of them
The season was ultimately defined by victory in Europe, although United were pushed all the way domestically by first Arsenal and then Chelsea. This was a squad triumph, the first season in which Ferguson did not really have a best XI. Cristiano Ronaldo hammered 31 league goals, and United scored four or more in nine of their 38 games
A slightly colourless triumph built more on defence than attack, with United keeping a record 14 consecutive clean sheets. Attacking flourishes were fairly infrequent, although there were two comebacks for the ages against Aston Villa and Spurs in April. The fact they overcame Liverpool, and after Rafael Benítez's clumsy, prepared speech, made victory all the sweeter
Ferguson's first great side were an intoxicating fusion of testosterone, tempo and technique, with a scarily strong spine. Although Blackburn cut a 14-point lead to just three at the start of April, it would have been a major shock had United failed to retain their title. The 5-0 demolition of a good Sheffield Wednesday side was an exhilarating highlight
The challengers were weak, and no English champions have had a lower points total in the era of three for a win. But still no mean feat given that United concentrated on the European Cup. Lost 5-0 and 6-3 in consecutive games at Newcastle and Southampton in October, before upping their game after Christmas in familiar style
A title that was partly won on the beaches of Brazil. When United went to Brazil for the World Club Championship and some mid-season sun, their rivals caught a cold: Arsenal, Liverpool and Leeds all queued up to drop points. United, scoring goals in industrial quantities, won the title at a canter
The easiest of the lot. United were so superior that they won a third consecutive championship on autopilot, effectively by New Year's Day and actually on Easter Saturday. A regal Teddy Sheringham was player of the year but a 6-1 demolition of Arsenal aside, this was relatively unmemorable
Via: Final Four: Sergio Rodríguez said that at the end they have "caught" tired to Barca
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