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Manchester United Team 2000/2001


JAAP STAM
Birthplace: Kampen, Holland, 17/7/1972
Height: 190cm - 6ft 3in
Weight: 86kg
International: Holland
Position: Defender
Squad Number: 6
Debut: 09.08.1998
In 1994, Jaap Stam was turning out for little known Dutch club Cambuur Leeuwarden. A move that year to top division side Willem II was the turning point of his career, as several top-level performances for them attracted the attention of Holland's biggest clubs.In 1996, PSV Eindhoven came in for Stam, and he won his first international cap in the same year. His debut, against Germany, ended in a 1-0 loss, and he has been a fixture in the Holland team ever since.Europe's top clubs began to take notice of Stam, and in 1998, Manchester United paid a world record fee for a defender,10.6 million, to bring him to Old Trafford. This dream move for Jaap - he idolised United as a child -came just three months after he was named Holland's Footballer of the Year.The year got even better during the summer, as he reached the semi-finals of the World Cup with Holland, falling to Brazil.Strong in the air and good on the ball, Stam can rightly claim to be one of the best defenders in the world. Once he'd settled in at United, many of his performances earned him rave reviews.In January 1999, he picked up Sky TV's Man of the Match award for the FA Cup game against Middlesbrough and scored his first goal for the club in a 6-2 drubbing of Leicester City at Filbert Street.An achilles tendon injury later threatened to ruin the 'treble' run-in for Stam and United, and he was only fit enough for a substitute's role in the FA Cup Final. However, he was back in his usual place as the kingpin of the defence for the Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich.There is no doubt that United followers have taken him to their hearts, proved by the rousing renditions in the Nou Camp stadium of "Jip Jaap Stam is a big Dutchman......"Any doubters from the start of his United career - particularly among the media - should now count his medals.Jaap picked up the 1999/2000 season where he'd left off the 'treble' term. With 47 starts, he missed just four Premiership matches as the Reds once again finished the domestic season on top of the pile. Playing alongside three different partners Silvestre, Berg and Gary Neville - didn't help his consistency, but Jaap still shone at the back.He even set up Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's goal against Spurs with a deft flick!International stats correct at 29.03.01.
 		  DENIS IRWIN
Birthplace: Cork, 31/10/1965
Height: 173cm - 5ft 8in
Weight: 68.03kg
Full International: Republic of Ireland
Position: Full-back
Squad Number: 3
Debut: 18.08.1990
Denis Irwin was 16 years old when he signed apprentice forms for Leeds United. He made a total of 72 appearances for the Yorkshire club before being released as a 20-year-old, on a free transfer, to join Oldham Athletic.He helped the Latics to the League Cup final and FA Cup semi-final against United in 1990. His performances must have impressed Alex Ferguson, who paid 625,000 for his services in the summer of 1990.In his first season at United, he was again on the losing side in a League Cup final, but winning a European Cup Winners' Cup medal more than compensated for this. Only 12 months later he was back at Wembley for yet another League Cup final. This time United won, beating Nottingham Forest.In the 1992/93 Championship winning season, Irwin was an ever-present in the team, playing in 40 League games, scoring five goals (most notably a 30-yard strike from outside the area against Coventry City). He has since added five more Premiership titles, two FA Cup winners' medals and a Champions League medal to his collection.With the departure of Brian McClair and Gary Pallister in the 1998 close season, Denis is the longest serving professional player in Alex Ferguson's current squad.Towards the end of the 1998/99 season, Denis was harshly sent off against Liverpool for kicking the ball away. This meant that Denis was forced to miss the FA Cup final against Newcastle, but kept him fresh for the Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in Barcelona.Denis retired from international football in January 2000, but signed another one-year extension to his United contract at the end of the 1999/2000 term, to ensure a full decade of service at Old Trafford.The 1999/2000 season saw more of the same from Denis - quietly getting on with doing an excellent job for the Reds. Irwin was rested for brief spells throughout the title-winning year, as the manager took his advancing years into account. But 38 appearances over the course of the season, with three goals into the bargain, proved vital for yet another Championship.Denis also broke the club record for appearances in the European Cup in the 1999/2000 season. The defeat by Real Madrid was his 47th match in the competition.Denis is one of the greatest full-backs in United's history. The quiet Irishman's consistency has made him a vital player in United's team of the 90's. In the Reds' first 'double-winning' season he was the only player to play in all League and FA Cup games.

RYAN GIGGS
Birthplace: Cardiff, 29/11/1973
Height: 180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight: 68.03kg
Full International: Wales
Position: Midfield
Squad Number: 11
Debut: 02.03.1991
Ryan Giggs moved to England, from Wales, at the age of seven. He joined Dean's Youth FC where he learned how to play football. His coach at Dean's Youth was Denis Schofield, who referred him to Manchester City, where he played for their school of excellence until he was 14 years old.On his 14th birthday Alex Ferguson went to Ryan Giggs' home in Swinton, Manchester, to ask him to sign schoolboy forms. Ken Barnes, City's chief scout, had already confirmed they would not be signing him. Their loss was Manchester United's gain, and the rest as they say is history!At 16, Ryan signed amateur forms (YTS) and turned professional in November 1990, just after his 17th birthday.His League debut for Manchester United came on 2 March 1991, against Everton at Old Trafford, as a substitute for Denis Irwin. His first League start was in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford at the end of the same season, when he scored the only goal of the match.Following an injury to Lee Sharpe at the start of the 1991-2 season, Giggs was able to gain a regular first team place, making the left-wing position his own.Whilst at Manchester United, Giggs has won every domestic trophy, as follows: the League Cup in 1992, League Championships in 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000, three FA Cup winners' medals in 1994, 1996 and 1999, and an FA Cup runners-up medal in 1995. Add to that the European Cup in 1999, and you've got some career!In addition to this Giggs has represented Wales at full international level, being the youngest ever player to play for Wales at the age of 17 years and 321 days, when he came on as a substitute against West Germany.He has also recently captained Wales. As a schoolboy Ryan captained the England Schoolboys team, but this was only because he attended school in England and not because he is English!Ryan is one of the most talented players currently in the game, a fast winger with an immense amount of skill and a free kick expert. He has scored many memorable as well as important goals for Manchester United.During the last-ever FA Cup semi-final replay, Ryan produced an unforgettable moment. Roy Keane had already been sent off for a second rash challenge and in injury time Peter Schmeichel saved superbly from a Dennis Bergkamp penalty to take the game into extra-time.In the final minutes, with the game heading for a penalty shoot-out, Giggs did what he does best and ran directly at the defence. He burst past four players before unleashing a fierce shot into the roof of the net, giving David Seaman no chance. Many critics proclaimed it the greatest goal of all time.This semi-final victory kept up the impetus for United's relentless march to the Treble, to which Giggs contributed immeasurably.In the 1999/2000 season, Giggs treated United fans to the best form of his life. Stunning displays of running at defenders, great crossing and quality finishing throughout the season led to the chant of "Giggs will tear you apart again" making a very welcome comeback.Seven goals in 41 appearances barely tells the story of Ryan's contribution to yet another title-winning season. The Welsh wonder was instrumental in countless Reds goals as Fergie's men again swept aside all domestic competitors.International stats correct at 29.03.01
 
DAVID BECKHAM
Birthplace: Leytonstone, 02/05/1975
Height: 180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight: 67kg
International: England
Position: Midfield
Squad Number: 7
Debut: 23.09.1992
After having trials with Leyton Orient and attending Tottenham Hotspur's school of excellence, David Beckham signed for Manchester United as a trainee on 8 July 1991. As a schoolboy he represented Essex Schools.On 2 April 1995, David made his League debut at home to Leeds United. His first team debut had come two and a half years earlier when he came on as a substitute, 20 minutes from time, during the away leg of a Rumbelows Cup second round tie at Brighton and Hove Albion on 1 October 1992.It was in United's 1995/96 'double' winning season that David established himself in the first team. Playing mainly right midfield (although his preferred position is central midfield) to fill the void left by the departure of Andrei Kanchelskis.It is David's goals which have made him a household name. He scored the winner in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea in 1996, a superb free kick in the 1998 World Cup Finals and "that goal" from the halfway line in the first game of the 1996/97 season at Wimbledon.His performances in the 1995/96 season caught the eye of the then England manager Glenn Hoddle, who gave him his full debut on 1 September 1996 against Moldova in Kishinev. Prior to this David had been capped at youth and Under-21 level.David was a member of Manchester United's highly successful FA Youth Cup team, collecting a winners' medal in 1992 (scoring in the away leg at Crystal Palace) and a runners-up medal in 1993. He also qualified for a Pontins Central League medal in 1994, playing 16 games for the reserves.During the 1996/97 season David came of age, proving to be a permanent fixture in the United and England teams. His match-winning performances for Manchester United during the season were enough to convince his fellow professionals to vote for him in the PFA awards, and he won the Young Player of the Year award, and came second in the Player of the Year voting. In the same year he also helped United to the European Cup semi-final and another Premier League Championship.In 1998 David was included in Hoddle's 22-man squad for the World Cup finals in France. The tournament itself was one of mixed emotions for David, being left out of the starting line-up for the first two matches, he then scored a fantastic free-kick against Colombia in England's final match in the group stages and was hailed as a national hero. However, four days later he turned villain after being sent off in the second round match against Argentina. It was the first sending-off of his professional career.Some experts predicted that his World Cup problems could lead to his exit from English football, but he knuckled down to prove them all wrong. In the first League game of the season against Leicester, he curled in one of his trademark free-kicks to prevent defeat.In March 1999 he became a father to Brooklyn, whose name appeared on his boots when his team completed the dream Treble. In July the same year, David married Victoria Adams of the Spice Girls to complete a great 12 month rehabilitation which included picking up yet another League and FA Cup Double, and the ultimate European Cup triumph.1999/2000 season was equally momentous for the Reds hero. David picked up his fourth Premiership winner's medal, and came second to Rivaldo in the voting for both the World and European Player of the Year awards as well as runner-up in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.A high-profile bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson and a new haircut picked up almost as many headlines as his goals, but scoring his 50th for the club against Spurs in the last home game of the season turned the focus back onto the pitch.David heads into the new century as the biggest name in English, and arguably world football.International stats correct at 29.03.01.

NICKY BUTT
Birthplace: Manchester, 21/1/1975
Height: 178cm - 5ft 10in
Weight: 72.11kg
International: England
Position: Midfield
Squad Number: 8
Debut: 21.11.1992
After playing for Oldham and Greater Manchester Schoolboys, Nicky Butt signed for Manchester United as a trainee in July 1991 and turned professional in January 1993. He was a part of the successful FA Youth Cup side in 1992, scoring twice in the first leg of the final against Crystal Palace. He was a finalist again a year later, but this time on the losing side.His first team debut came on 21 November 1992, as a 65th minute substitute for Paul Ince against Oldham Athletic. By the end of the 1994-95 season he had earned himself a place in the starting line-up for the FA Cup Final, but he finished with a runners-up medal after losing 1-0 to Everton.Twelve months later Butt was to collect a winners' medal in the 1996 FA Cup Final, completing a League and Cup double for himself and Manchester United.During the early part of the 1998/99 season, Nicky's progress was hampered by two consecutive sendings-off against Barcelona and Arsenal. The subsequent suspensions forced him to miss important games and he ended up virtually sharing the role of midfield partner to Roy Keane with Paul Scholes, depending on the requirements of particular matches. Ironically Scholes' suspension from the Champions League Final in Barcelona guaranteed Butt a place in the starting line-up.Nicky added to his medal collection in 1999/2000, claiming a fourth Premiership gong to go with two FA Cup winners medals and a Champions League medal. His tenacious playing style meant that his name was a regular fixture in the referee's notebook, but four goals in 41 appearances showed Nicky's importance to the team.He has represented England at schoolboy, youth, Under-21 and full international level. He was also a member of the England Under-18 squad that lifted the European Championship in July 1993.International stats correct at 29.03.2001.
 		 
MICHAEL CLEGG
Birthplace: Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, 3/7/1977
Height: 173cm - 5ft 8in
Weight: 73.38kg
Position: Defender
Squad Number: 23
Debut: 23.11.1996
Michael Clegg signed apprentice forms for Manchester United two days after his sixteenth birthday in July 1993. He was a member of the 1995 FA Youth Cup-winning side, playing at centre-half in the first leg of the final. On the back of this victory, he signed a professional contract in July 1995.At Reserve level, Clegg won Pontin's League medals in 1996 and 1997, along with the Denzil Haroun award for United's Reserve Player of the Year in 1997.His first team debut came in November 1996, in a Premiership draw at Middlesbrough. He retained his place in the side for the following week's League (Coca Cola) Cup visit to Leicester City, where his performance earned him rave reviews.During the 1998/99 season, his first team chances were restricted to Worthington Cup fixtures. He also captained United's reserve team to their Manchester Senior Cup Final victory over Oldham Athletic.Michael found it hard to break into the First Team in 1999/2000, making just five appearances, and spent time on loan with First Division Ipswich Town and Division Two's Wigan Athletic, where he linked up with United old-boy Terry Cooke.Still young, Michael's tough tackling, no nonsense style is set to be a feature of the Manchester United squad for some years to come.

QUINTON FORTUNE
Birthplace: Cape Town, 21/5/1977
Height: 180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight: 75kg
International: South Africa
Position: Midfield
Squad Number: 25
Debut: 30.08.1999
Quinton Fortune left South Africa at the age of 14 to try his luck abroad. His search for success took him to South England, and Tottenham Hotspur.His stay at Spurs as a junior did not become a senior career, and he moved on to Atletico Madrid. There, playing for the 'B' team, he came to the attention of the South African national manager, and was given his debut against Kenya in September 1996.Since then, he has played in the World Cup for Bafana Bafana, and made three appearances at France '98. He has yet to open his scoring account for his national team.Playing in midfield, he has been compared in style to Ryan Giggs. He made the switch to Old Trafford for เน€เธ™โ‚ฌเน€เธ˜ย™เน‚ย‚เธŒเน€เธ™โ‚ฌเน€เธ˜ย˜เธขย˜เน€เธ˜เธ‚เธขยƒ1.5 million.Quinton won many admirers in his first season at United, showing an abundance of skill in his attacking play. Four goals for the Reds from six starts was a great return, and his celebration after scoring against South Melbourne in the Maracana was a joy to behold.On the international front, he helped South Africa to the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup, where they were defeated by Nigeria.Plucked from relative obscurity, Quinton looks to be a bargain. Fergie's done it again!International stats correct at 10.10.00.
 
JONATHAN GREENING
Birthplace: Scarborough 2/1/79
Height: 183cm - 6ft 0in
Weight: 71.2kg
Position: Medfild
Squad Number: 34
Debut: 28.10.1998
Jonathan Greening became Alex Fergusons second acquisition from York City when he joined United in the spring of 1998. The manager had previously signed goalkeeper Nick Culkin from the Minster Men.A striker or attacking midfielder, Greening wasted no time in introducing himself to opposition defenders. In only his second match for United A team, he scored all the goals in a 4-0 win over Marine Reserves. This impressive form helped the club to clinch the Lancashire League championship at the tail end of the 1997/98 season.In 1998/99 Jonathan joined the hunt for Pontin League honours, regularly forming the Reserves attacking partnership with Norwegian striker Erik Nevland. In one memorable match, played in front of 14,000 fans at Leicester City, he bagged a hat-trick as United ran out 6-2 winners.Jonathan earned his first taste of senior action in the Worthington Cup against Bury, playing on the right hand side of midfield. He occupied that same position on United's pre-season tour of the Australia and the Far East in July 1999, while David Beckham remained in England.On returning to Manchester, first team opportunities were limited, prompting Jon to turn down United's offer of a new contract. He was put on the transfer list, but despite rumoured interest from Spurs and Leeds, Jon stayed put and is now expected to sign a new deal.Greening started just once for United in the League in 1999/2000, against Watford at Vicarage Lane. He came off the bench three times, but is yet to find the net for the senior side after proving a potent attacking force in the Reserves.In season 2000/01, Greening was a regular member of the England Under-21 side, managed by his fellow Yorkshireman Howard Wilkinson.

ANDY COLE
Birthplace: Nottingham, 15/10/1971
Height: 178cm - 5ft 10in
Weight: 78kg
Full International: England
Position: Forward
Squad Number: 9Debut: 22.01.1995
Andy Cole began his footballing career with Arsenal, joining them on schoolboy forms after playing at the National School of Excellence at Lilleshall.However, things did not go according to plan and his first team outings with Arsenal were limited. After Cole was loaned to Fulham and Bristol City, he was transferred to the Robins in July 1992, for a fee of 500,000.He spent just a little under a year with Bristol City before Newcastle paid 1,750,000 - a record transfer fee received by Bristol City - in March 1993. He was an instant success with Newcastle, helping them to secure promotion into the Premier League in his first season. The following year, his 34 League goals won him the European 'Golden Boot' and the 1994 PFA Young Player of the Year award.In January 1995, in an attempt to strengthen his squad, Alex Ferguson paid a then British record transfer fee of 6,250,000 for Andy Cole's services.In his first season with United he scored 12 goals in 17 games - a decent return for any forward - five of them coming in Manchester United's 9-0 defeat of Ipswich Town. His goals, however, were not enough to clinch the Championship in the 1994-5 season and United finished the season without any silverware for the first time in five years.The following season Cole picked up a Premier League Championship medal, scoring one of United's goals in their 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough in the last game of the season, to wipe out the memory of West Ham 12 months earlier. He also collected an FA Cup winners' medal as United completed the 'double' for the second time by beating Liverpool 1-0 in the final.The 1996-97 season did not all go according to plan for United's record signing. Cole started the season with pneumonia, then broke both legs in a reserve team game in September. On top of this, Alex Ferguson's summer signing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, had got off to a flying start scoring five goals in his first ten games.Fortunately for Cole, the season finished on a much happier note, with United picking up their fourth League Championship in five years, and his subsequent recall to the England squad.The 1997-98 campaign proved to be one of Cole's best seasons. He finished as United's top scorer with 25 goals including two hat-tricks, one against Barnsley in a 7-0 thrashing and one against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League. Despite a season of much personal success, Cole was unlucky not to be included in England's 22-man squad for the World Cup Finals in France.The 1998-99 season saw Cole begin where he left off, striking up an almost telepathic partnership with new signing Dwight Yorke. Cole played some of the best football of his career, and it was to the astonishment of football managers and critics alike the length and breadth of the country that Glenn Hoddle continued to overlook Cole's dazzling form. Nevertheless, when Howard Wilkinson temporarily took charge of the England team, Cole was recalled to the squad, one which had apparently been picked by Hoddle. New England manager Kevin Keegan, Cole's old manager at Newcastle, continued to select Cole.Andy describes his partnership with Yorke like this: "It is the kind of partnership I have been looking for and I haven't had anything as good as this since I was playing with Peter Beardsley at Newcastle. The fact that we get on so well off the field has been the big thing for me. We have a laugh in training and try to do the same thing on the pitch."The understanding between the two carried on into the 1999/2000 season, when the pair grabbed 45 goals between them, with Andy contributing 22 of those. He hit his 100th goal for the Reds in the match against Wimbledon, a great achievement in just six seasons. The campaign also saw Andy equal Denis Law's club record of 14 European Cup goals.The season that saw Andy captain United for the first time, against South Melbourne, as well as release a single, "Outstanding", finished with Coley picking up his fourth League Championship medal to go with his two FA Cup medals and European Cup winners award.International stats correct at 29.03.01.
 
ROY KEANE
Birthplace: Cork, 10/8/1971
Height: 180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight: 76kg
International: Republic of Ireland
Position: Midfield
Squad Number: 16
Debut:07.08.1993
After failing to get an apprenticeship with any English League clubs, Roy Keane began his footballing career with Cobh Ramblers before Brian Clough took him to Nottingham Forest as an 18-year-old.His League debut with Nottingham Forest was a real baptism of fire, away to Liverpool, the then champions. At the end of his first full season, Keane made an appearance in the 1991 FA Cup Final, collecting a runners-up medal.A season later he was again on the losing side at Wembley, with Nottingham Forest losing 1-0 to Manchester United in the League Cup Final.His luck with Nottingham Forest ran out the following season as they were relegated. In the 1993 close season the race for Roy Keane's signature began, with United emerging the victors. They paid a then club and English record fee of 3.75 million.Whilst he has been at Manchester United, Keane's ball winning skills, drive, determination and late runs into the box to score vital goals have made him an irreplaceable figure in the team's midfield, so much so that he is often compared to the legendary Bryan Robson. He has helped United to win five Premier League Championships, including three 'doubles' in 1994, 1996 and 1999.At the end of the 1996-97 season, when Eric Cantona retired from professional football, Keane took over the role of team captain.However, less than two months into the new season, Keane injured his knee and spent a frustrating season on the sidelines. Many pundits felt that towards the end of 1997-98 when United were faltering, it was his presence and determination which the team sorely missed, and in the end was a crucial factor in the Championship ending up at Highbury. Fortunately for Manchester United, Keane fought his way back to full fitness to lead the team out at Wembley in the 1998 pre-season Charity Shield.First capped by Jack Charlton in 1991, Roy has been an important member of the Republic of Ireland squad. He played for them in the 1994 World Cup Finals in the USA, but was absent with injury when they failed to qualify for the 1998 Finals in France. The Irish will now be looking to qualify for the 2002 Finals.The 1998/99 season, which ended with United's glorious treble, saw Roy Keane restored to full fitness. As we reached the climax of this glorious season, Roy enjoyed mixed fortunes. A sending-off in the FA Cup semi-final replay was followed by a yellow card in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus, forcing him to miss the memorable final in Barcelona.He recovered from an ankle injury to play in the last League match versus Tottenham and collected the Premiership trophy. The following week at Wembley, however, he sustained another ankle injury and was forced to give way to Teddy Sheringham in the early stages of the game, knowing his season had ended there and then.In Barcelona, despite Keane taking no active part in the match, the fans finally got their way during the post-match celebrations when they insisted on Roy taking his deserved bow with the Champions League trophy in front of the massed ranks.Roy did not take part in the pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East, not having recovered from the ankle injury.Keane's contract negotiations fell under the media microscope midway through the 1999/2000 season, when it was revealed that the club captain had turned down the club's initial offer. At the home Champions League match against Valencia, however, it was announced that Roy had signed a new, four-year deal.After that, Keane seemed to play with a weight lifted off his shoulders. The captain led from the front, as ever, and over the course of the season found the net a remarkable 12 times, with half of these coming in Europe.A superb season from the skipper was recognised by both the Football Writers and the Professional Footballers Association, who both voted him Player of the Year. Before injury ruled him out of the Spurs home match, Roy missed just one Premiership match between mid October and the end of April.Ever the inspirational skipper for club and country, Keane celebrated his 50th cap for the Republic of Ireland on 24 March 2001 by scoring twice in the 4-0 away win over Cyprus.International stats correct at 29.03.01.

LUKE CHADWICK
Birthplace: Cambridge, 18/11/1980
Height: 180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight: 67kg
Position: Midfielder
Squad Number: 36
Debut: 13.10.1999
Luke Chadwick signed as a professional with Manchester United in February 1999, after he had been with the club since June 1997.Formerly an Under-14 player with Arsenal, he joined United at the age of 15 and has been a Red ever since.Luke has been a regular in the England Under-18 set-up, and has since broken into the Under-21 team. He played in six reserve team matches last season, scoring two goals.The classy winger made his first team debut in the Worthington Cup defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, and spent most of the 1999/2000 season on loan to Royal Antwerp in Belgium. He scored on his debut for the foreign club, as he did on his England Under-21 bow, in the 5-0 win over Luxembourg.Speaking after his Worthington Cup experience, Luke claimed, "Alex Ferguson gave us a team talk beforehand and I was a bit nervous, but I think I did alright. I've read stuff that he said about maybe playing me in the first team at some point this season. I feel like I'm ready for the Premiership."Luke played again in the Worthington Cup in the 2000/01 season, having a blinder against Watford. Instead of being dejected about having to displace David Beckham to get into the first team, Chaddy says that he's looking forward to the experience."I don't think it's an unenviable job, I don't think I could ever replace a player of his quality, but to be cover and be in United's squad is really pleasing," says Luke."I regard myself as being lucky being in this position not unlucky. David Beckham is the best in the world in his position but being able to learn from him and the rest of the United players is good enough for me at the moment.'"You've got to believe in yourself and keep believing that one day perhaps an opportunity will come. David can play in the centre of midfield so there might be something there if that ever happens, but then I suppose we also have a lot of great players in that role keeping him out!"However, you have always got to believe that you can see light at the end of the tunnel. I am happy to think like that."There are so many games these days that there will always be opportunities. There are England Under-21 matches, Worthington Cup games and possibly other matches so there's plenty to go at."Luke Chadwick made his Premiership debut as a substitute against Middlesbrough on 11 November 2000. A fortnight later, and one week after his 20th birthday, the winger started a Premiership match for the first time, in the 3-0 win at Derby County on 25 November 2000 		 
WES BROWN
Birthplace: Manchester, 13/10/79
Height: 185cm - 6ft 1in
Weight: 74.83kg
International: England
Position:
DefenderSquad Number: 24
Debut: 04.05.1998
A former student at the FA School of Excellence at Lilleshall, Wes Brown also played for Manchester and Greater Manchester as a schoolboy. He signed as a trainee on leaving school in July 1996 and signed as a professional just four months later on 4 November 1996.In his first full season at Old Trafford, Brown picked up a Lancashire FA Youth Cup winners' medal and a Lancashire League Division One medal together with the Denzil Haroun Young Player of the Year award.Performances throughout the season earned him a place on the substitutes' bench against Leeds United on 4 May 1998. Brought on in the 60th minute to replace David May, he appeared in the starting line-up for the first time the following week as United defeated Barnsley 2-0.His performances in the 1998-99 season again caught the eye. An accomplished central defender, Brown gained a regular first team place deputising for the injured Denis Irwin at full-back. Quick and able to surge forward down the wing, Brown has had football critics revelling in his potential, likening him to a young Paul McGrath.An established international at Under-18 and Under-21 level, Brown made the step up to the senior squad during the 1998/99 season, and received his first cap under Kevin Keegan, playing against Hungary in Budapest.Wes' first team opportunities became rarer towards the end of the season, but the young defender had played his part in the club's treble success.He had set his sights on making an impact on the team again in the 1999/2000 season, but a training ground knee injury meant that his season was over before it had even begun.Wes came back strongly and has become a permanent fixture in United's defence during the2000/01 season. His excellent form also earned him a call-up to the England squad for the match against Spain.International stats correct as at 29.03.01.

GARY NEVILLE
Birthplace:Bury, 18/2/1975
Height:180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight:73.03kg - 11st 7lb
Full International:England
Position:Defender
Squad Number:2
Debut:16.09.1992
After playing for both Bury and Greater Manchester Schoolboys, Gary Neville joined Manchester United on schoolboy forms in July 1991 and signed as a professional 18 months later in January 1993.He was a part of the successful Youth team of 1992 and 1993 which produced several players for the senior squad. He made his first senior appearance for Manchester United in the UEFA Cup in September 1992 against Torpedo Moscow.It was in the 1994-95 season, when Neville became a regular in United's first team, replacing the injured Paul Parker at full-back. It was in the same season that he appeared in the 1995 FA Cup Final, only to end up on the losing team - a double disappointment considering Manchester United missed out on winning the League Championship on the last day of the season by one point.However, the following season Neville collected a League Championship medal and came on as substitute in the 1996 FA Cup Final. His joy was complete when he was picked for England's Euro '96 squad, where he played in every game apart from the semi-final when he was suspended. Gary Neville added another League Championship medal to his collection in 1997.In the summer of 1998, Neville was included in Glenn Hoddle's 22-man England squad for the World Cup in France, playing in three of England's four matches.Gary played a full part in the 1998/99 season, making 54 appearances throughout the treble-winning campaign. He even managed to score a goal against Everton, taking his tally up to two in his United career!Gary started the 1999/2000 in the physio's room, recovering from a groin injury. He made a comeback in the home match against Newcastle, only to suffer a recurrence, and be forced out until the start of November.After that, Gary missed just three games in all competitions up until the end of April, racking up his 250th United appearance along the way. The Premiership medal won at The Dell was the fourth of his career.Gary added to his collection of England caps at Euro 2000, playing in all three matches.Neville is a composed, tough tackling defender who is comfortable at full-back or in the centre of defence and looks set to be a fixture in both United's and England's defences for some time to come.


 		  PHILIP NEVILLE
Birthplace: Bury, 21/1/1977
Height: 180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight: 75kg
International: England
Position: Defender
Squad Number: 12
Debut: 28.01.1995
After playing football for Bury Schools and Greater Manchester Schoolboys, Phil Neville joined Manchester United as a trainee on 5 July 1993.However, he could have chosen a different career if he had not been signed by Manchester United. He was regarded as an outstanding talent at cricket and could well have reached county level.Less than twelve months after he had signed as a trainee he turned professional. His League debut was a real baptism of fire, a Manchester derby at Maine Road in February 1995.Phil has gone on to make over 150 senior appearances for United, and played his part in the team's remarkable achievements in the 1998/99 season. Denis Irwin's suspension from the FA Cup final against Newcastle gave Phil his opportunity at left back.During his time at Old Trafford, Phil has won four League Championship medals, two FA Cup medals and a Champions League winners' medal, as well as captaining the Youth team to the FA Youth Cup in 1995.His performances have caught the eye of England's managers and he has been a regular member of the international squad, with the heartbreaking exception of Glenn Hoddle's 22-man party for France '98.After yet another impressive season in 1999/2000, in which he made over 30 starts for the Reds, as they won their sixth title in eight years, Phil made it into the England squad for Euro 2000.The 1999/2000 season also saw Phil marry his long-term girlfriend, Julie, the day before New Year's Eve.Phil played in all three of England's Euro 2000 matches, but his part in the tournament ended in tears, as he gave away the penalty which knocked them out.Two minutes from time, he fouled Moldovan in the area, Ganea scored from the spot and Romania won 3-2.Hopefully season 2000/01 will see Phil bounce back from that bitter disappointment. His continued selection for England under Sven Goran Eriksson proves wrong those who say he is merely a squad player at Old Trafford.


DAVID MAY
Birthplace: Oldham, 24/6/1970
Height: 183cm - 6ft 0in
Weight: 85kg
Position: Defender
Squad Number: 4
Debut: 14.08.1994
David May was signed by Blackburn Rovers as a schoolboy and progressed through the ranks of junior football with the Lancashire side into the first team.May was part of the Blackburn team which gained promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in 1991-92.When May's contract was up in the summer of 1994, Alex Ferguson moved in to sign him for 1.2 million - with a view to him eventually replacing Steve Bruce. However, his first season at Old Trafford did not go as planned. He was played out of position for much of the campaign and the Bruce-Pallister partnership at the back seemed to be as strong as ever.The following season May fought hard to win a regular place in the centre of United's defence and by the end of the camapaign the centre-half position had become his. But it was in the 1996/97 season when May showed just why Alex Ferguson had bought him. To round his season off May was also selected by Glenn Hoddle to join the England squad in March 1997 but he was forced to withdraw because of an injury.He is a popular player amongst the Manchester United supporters who chant his name to the tune of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'.Since joining United May has won two League Championship medals, in 1996 and 1997 and an FA Cup winners' medal in 1996. A frustrating run of injuries meant that his 1998/99 season did not get underway until the latter stages. This was at the time that Alex Ferguson was looking to rest key players as the season approached its amazing climax.His reappearance came too late to earn him a Premiership medal, although he had certainly played his part. He made up for lost time, however, with another FA Cup winners' medal and also a Champions League winners' medal.David's 1999/2000 season must have made him wonder if he'd been cursed. After playing the second half of the Charity Shield against Arsenal, he picked up a knock in a friendly at Wigan. That kept him out until November, when he made a comeback against Sturm Graz.He was left out of the squad that travelled to Brazil, and went on loan to Huddersfield. That only lasted a few days, as he pulled a hamstring. Then, in his first training session back with the first team, he ruptured his Achiles, ending any hopes of another return before the end of the season.Although David's injury problems have continued during the 2000/2001 season in March he made a number of apperances on the United bench as he began to return to full fitness.
 		 
RONNY JOHNSEN
Birthplace: Sandefjord, Norway, 10/6/1969
Height: 191cm - 6ft 3in
Weight: 83.45kg
International: Norway
Position: Defender
Squad Number: 5
Debut: 17.08.1996
Ronny Johnsen began his footballing career with Stokke, before having spells with Eik Tonsberg, Lyn Oslo and Lillestrom. After playing Norwegian football for most of his career, Johnsen moved abroad to play in the Turkish league for Besiktas.A Norwegian international since August 1991, his displays in Turkish football impressed the United manager Alex Ferguson, who had made previous enquiries about the Norwegian defender. He finally got his man, paying Besiktas 1.5m in the 1996 close season.Bought as a replacement for Steve Bruce who had gone to Birmingham City during the summer on a free transfer, he quickly adjusted to life in the English Premier League and with injuries to Gary Pallister and Denis Irwin, Johnsen was a permanent fixture in the side.His League debut came on the first day of the season away to Wimbledon as a substitute for the injured Nicky Butt. By the end of the season he had made 36 (6) appearances, which included nine Champions League games.He turned out to be one of the bargain buys of the season for Manchester United, out-done only by his international team mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He is a skilful defender who alongside Jaap Stam, David May, or his international team mate Henning Berg, forms a competent defensive partnership. His versatility has also been useful especially due to the fact he can play centre-half, full-back or midfield, a role he performed magnificently during Roy Keane's absence in the 1997-98 season.In May 1997 he was rewarded with a Premier League Championship medal, surprisingly the first major honour of his career.Ronny played in all four of Norway's France '98 matches, before being knocked out by Italy in the second round. His performance against Brazil brought special praise. National newspapers claimed, "Johnsen played the shirt off Ronaldo. He never gave him a chance." The Brazilian manager Mario Zagallo added, "Ronny was the King. He's so quick."With his fellow Norwegian, Henning Berg, ruled out by injury for the latter part of the season, Ronny played a key part in the team's glorious finale to the historic 1998/99 season.Ronny suffered a frustrating 1999/2000 season, spent mainly on the treatment table. He underwent surgery on a knee injury, and made a senior comeback in the match against Southampton at The Dell, when United claimed the League title.He backed up that appearance with starts against Chelsea and Watford, and looks set to be a permanent fixture in the first team once again.

JOHN O'SHEA
Birthplace: 30 April 1981, Waterford
Height: 190cm - 6ft 3in
Weight: 75kg
Position: Defender
Squad Number: 30
Debut: 13.10.1999
Tall John signed professional terms with United in August 1998. The big central defender made 11 appearances for the Reserves last season, as well as 16 for the Under-19s, scoring one goal for each team.Oเน€เธ™ย‚เน‚ย‚เธŒเธขย™Shea, from the Republic of Ireland, made his first team debut in the 1998/99 season, away to Aston Villa in the Worthington Cup defeat.John joined Second Division Bournemouth on loan in January 2000, and made his League debut for the Cherries against Colchester United.Some assured displays earned John rave reviews on the South Coast, with Bournemouth manager Mel Machin saying, "I thought John O'Shea was fantastic for us considering that he is still only eighteen. He has got a good future and can play on both sides of the defence."After ten starts and one goal, against Millwall, O'Shea returned to Old Trafford in March, determined to break into the first team. It didn't quite happen for the big man, so instead he embarked on another loan spell in season 2000/01.This time he followed in the footsteps of Luke Chadwick, Danny Higginbotham and Ronnie Wallwork by joining Royal Antwerp. Although he was busy making first team appearances in Belgium, he still found time to play international football at Under-21 level.
 
MIKAEL SILVESTRE
Birthplace:Chambray-Les-Tours, France, 09/08/1977
Height:184cm - 6ft 0in
Weight:83kg - 13st 1lb
Full International:France
Position:Defender
Squad Number:27
Debut:11.09.199
France international Mikael Silvestre began his career with French First Division club Rennes in the 1995/96 season. He made just one appearance that term.The next year, he made 16 appearances, taking his tally up to 31 in the 1997/98 season.
Inter Milan spotted his potential, and signed him in time for the 1998/99 Serie A season. He made 18 League appearances, scoring one goal into the bargain. He also played six times in the European Cup, including the quarter-final second-leg, against Manchester United.Silvestre, a centre-back who can also play at full-back, signed for
Manchester United on 10 September 1999.Mikael took his time to settle into English football, but showed flashes of the pace and skill that had persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to sign him. He became United first choice as partner to Jaap Stam in the centre of defence both in the League and in Europe.In the 2000/01 season, Mikael switched to left-back on a full-time basis, and became a fixture in the side. Playing every game improved his consistency, and his good form earned him a call-up to the senior French team.He made his full international debut on 27 February 2001, coming on as a 77th minute substitute for Marcel Desailly in a Stade de France friendly against Germany, a match the Euro 2000 Champions won 1-0.Mikael has a huge future in front of him at United.

PAUL SCHOLES
Birthplace: Salford, 16/11/1974
Height: 170cm - 5ft 7in
Weight: 74kg
International: England (33 caps, 11 goals)
Position: Forward
Squad Number: 18
Debut: 21.09.1994
Paul Scholes signed for United on trainee forms on 8 July 1991 and turned professional 18 months later on 23 January 1993. Scholes showed much promise in the youth and reserve teams, winning an FA Youth Cup winners' medal in 1992 and a runners-up medal in the same competition a year later. He was also a member of the England Under-18 team which won the European Championships in 1993.His league debut was against Ipswich Town on 24 September 1994, where he scored twice in a 2-3 defeat.In the 1994-95 season Paul Scholes became a regular player, in the absence of Eric Cantona (through suspension) and Mark Hughes (through injury), earning himself a place in the FA Cup Final as a substitute for Lee Sharpe.However Scholes and Manchester United ended the season with no silverware for the first time in five years. The following season had a much happier ending, as United pipped Newcastle United to win their third Premier League title in four years, with Scholes picking up his first major honour. To cap the season off he was in the starting line-up for the FA Cup final victory against Liverpool to complete a historic 'Double Double'.Paul has become an important member of the Manchester United team and his goals have often come at important stages of the season.A full international, Scholes scored on his full international debut and his first international at Wembley. Paul played his part in the 1998 World Cup Finals, scoring in England's opening match against Tunisia, and starting all four of their games in the competition.In March 1999, Paul became the first player since Norman Whiteside in 1984 to score a competitive goal for Manchester United on Italian soil. He scored the Reds' equaliser in a 1-1 Champions League draw with Inter Milan at the San Siro Stadium.March proved to be a dramatic month for Paul. Following his heroics in Milan, he went on to net all of England's goals at Wembley in a 3-1 win over Poland in a qualifying match for Euro 2000.Though generally shy of the media, he did admit on television to being very proud of this feat, saying: "That was the best feeling I've had in football. I have scored some important goals for United in the Champions League, but that was something else. To come off with that matchball under my arm and have all the fans cheering for me felt great."Days later, Paul announced that he and his new wife Claire were expecting their first baby, but still the fairytale didn't end there. He played a big part in winning the 'treble', scoring the Reds' second goal in the FA Cup Final against Newcastle United.The only sour notes of Scholes' 1998/99 season were the suspension which forced him to miss the Champions League final in Barcelona, and the ignominy of being the first England player ever to be sent off at Wembley. That occurred in the Euro 2000 qualifier against Sweden which ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw.Paul started the 1999/2000 season as a proud father as his wife Claire gave birth to Aaron Jake in late July. He again treated the United faithful to his pin-point passing, tenacious tackling and incisive runs into the box all season, and combined the three to overcome Scotland at Hampden Park, scoring both goals in the Euro 2000 play-off first leg win.That performance was rewarded by the England Supporters Club voting him their Player of the Year.Paul sat out the trip to Brazil to undergo a long-overdue hernia operation, a decision that was vindicated by the fact that he only missed one Premiership match. He bounced back to score seven goals in the second half of the season as the Reds marched to their sixth League title in eight years.

 
TEDDY SHERINGHAM
Birthplace: Highams Park, 2/4/1966
Height: 185cm - 6ft 1in
Weight: 80kg
International: England
Position: ForwardSquad
Number: 10
Debut: 03.08.1997
Teddy Sheringham was bought by Manchester United in the summer of 1997 for เน€เธ˜เธ‚เน€เธ˜ยƒ3.5 million from Tottenham Hotspur.Sheringham is an experienced international player who began his career with Millwall as an apprentice. Following loan spells at Aldershot and Djurgaarden in Sweden, and after making 220 league appearances for Millwall, scoring 93 goals, he was bought by Nottingham Forest in 1991, where he came to prominence.Whilst at Forest he played in the same team as United's captain Roy Keane. At the end of his first full season at the City Ground, Sheringham was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for เน€เธ˜เธ‚เน€เธ˜ยƒ2.1 million. At Spurs he made 166 League appearances and scored 76 League goals.However, concerned that at the age of 31 he had yet to win a major trophy, he asked for a transfer in the summer of 1997.United had initially enquired about Sheringham before buying Andy Cole back in 1995 and again at the end of the 1996/97 season, but were scared off by the เน€เธ˜เธ‚เน€เธ˜ยƒ6 million transfer fee. Nevertheless, his desire to leave Tottenham prompted Spurs chairman, Alan Sugar to reduce his price tag to เน€เธ˜เธ‚เน€เธ˜ยƒ3.5 million.He was quickly snapped up by the United manager. He made his League debut for Manchester United, ironically at White Hart Lane, against his old club Spurs. A week earlier Sheringham had won his first medal with Manchester United: the pre-season Charity Shield.Towards the end of Teddy's first season with the Reds, his old North London rivals from Arsenal put together a stunning late run to win the League Championship. The Gunners' fans gleefully taunted Teddy after this, pointing out his lack of major honours whenever they could.Twelve months later, after a thrilling climax to 1998/99, the United man was able to silence the taunts once and for all. He collected three medals after playing a crucial part in some of the biggest games. It was ironic that Teddy should make the difference, after spending most of the season sidelined by injury or the impressive form of the Cole-Yorke partnership.It was widely acknowledged that Teddy changed the game when coming on as a late substitute in the Champions League semi-final home leg against Juventus. He was also an early replacement for Roy Keane in the FA Cup Final and scored within 96 seconds of his arrival on the pitch. He then created the second goal for Paul Scholes and deservedly claimed the Man of the Match award.More glory followed in the Champions League Final in Barcelona. Trailing 1-0 to Bayern Munich, all had looked lost for United until Alex Ferguson brought on the ex-Spurs striker. He immediately started to trouble the German defence and right on the 90th minute he tucked away the crucial equalising goal.Three minutes later, deep into injury time, Teddy nodded a David Beckham corner into Ole Solskjaer's path. The Norwegian did the rest, ending a 31-year wait for United to win the European Cup for a second time.A full international, Sheringham played an important part in England's success in Euro 96. He was also a member of the England World Cup squad in 1998, playing two games before being replaced by Michael Owen. A superb end to the domestic season with United in 1998/99 then earned him a recall to the squad bidding to qualify for Euro 2000.Teddy had assured his place in United history, but found that first team starts were still rare. In 14 starts in the League he grabbed four goals, plus one in the Champions League.His United contract was due to expire at the end of the 1999/2000 season, and talk of a move away from Old Trafford followed Teddy round all season.But a new contract was signed on 17 May 2000, and Teddy will be with us for another year.

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER
Birthplace: Kristiansund, Norway, 26/2/1973
Height: 174cm - 5ft 9in
Weight: 74kg
International: Norway
Position: Forward
Squad Number: 20
Debut: 25.08.1996
After playing part time Third Division football in Norway for Clausenegen FK, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer moved to Premier League Molde in 1995. His performances earned him a place in the national team, and it was not long before he started to attract the interest of bigger clubs throughout Europe. He was also dubbed the Norwegian Alan Shearer.In the summer of 1996 Alex Ferguson paid a เธขเธƒ1.5m fee for Solskjaer's services. Not expecting to be playing for United until the new year, Solskjaer found himself almost a permanent fixture in the first team, scoring on his first team debut, and ending the season as top scorer with 19 goals, 18 of them in the League. A firm favourite with the United faithful, his performances during this season prompted his old manager at Molde to claim that if he had known he was going to be this successful he would have asked United for more money!A full international for Norway, he won a League Championship medal in his first season and helped United to the semi-final of the European Cup, finding the net in the second leg of the Borussia Dortmund game, only to find his goal ruled out when the referee spotted a 'mystery' foul.In addition to this he was also recognised by his fellow professionals, being short listed for the 1997 PFA Young Player of the Year Award.Ole represented Norway at the 1998 World Cup finals, playing three matches as the Vikings reached the second round, only to be knocked out by Italy.At the start of the 1998/99 season it was rumoured that Solskjaer would be on his way out of Old Trafford after the เธขเธƒ12 million signing of Dwight Yorke. It is to Solskjaer's credit and the supporters' relief that he decided to stay with United and fight for his place. Although he was mainly limited to substitute appearances, he could not be kept out of the headlines during the 'treble-winning' season.Grabbing a dramatic winner against Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup, Solskjaer rightly claimed the glory and the limelight, with the newspapers calling him United's super sub!Two weeks later Solskjaer rewrote the record books, again after coming on as a sub against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. He scored four times in an emphatic 8-1 victory, to create a new Premiership record for an away win. His personal feast of four goals scored in 13 minutes had historians, statisticians and supporters alike pondering as to whether this had been done before. No one has yet come up with any answers, so we assume that Ole Gunnar has indeed created a new football record.Despite this feat, Solskjaer's starting opportunities continued to be scarce. He did make the first XI for the FA Cup Final victory over Newcastle United but then returned to the bench for the Champions League Final against Bayern Munich.There was a sense of deja vu about the sensational end to this game. Once again Ole Gunnar was called from the bench and produced a last gasp winner. The United supporters attending the Final in Barcelona promptly struck up a new song of "Who put the ball in the Germans' net?"On 4 December 1999, Ole became the first player to score four goals in two separate Premiership matches. Following his exploits at Forest in February, Solskjaer netted four times against Everton in a 5-1 victory at Old Trafford.That prolific scoring was spread throughout the title-winning season. Fifteen goals for a man who usually starts on the bench was a terrific return from just 20 starts and 21 substitute appearances, but his form inevitably led to talk of him moving away from Old Trafford.Spurs and Leeds showed an interest in the Norwegian international striker, but at the end of the 1999/2000 season he expressed his desire to stay at the club until he's 33!Midway through the season, Ole announced that he and his girlfriend Silje were expecting their first child. A baby boy, named Noah, was born on 9 June 2000, just prior to the start of Euro 2000 in which Ole would play for Norway.International stats correct at 29.03.01.

  JESPER BLOMQVIST
Birthplace: Tavelsjo, Sweden, 5/2/74
Height: 176cm - 5ft 9in
Weight: 71kg
International: Sweden
Position: Left Winger
Squad Number: 15
Debut: 09.09.1998
Jesper Blomqvist first grabbed all the headlines in Manchester when he single-handedly humiliated United on a cold December evening in Gothenburg in 1994. On that night United were well beaten 3-1 by the Swedish side and their hopes of qualifying for the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League were all but gone. It was a night United's players and fans chose to forget.However, in true Matt Busby fashion (Busby signed Johnny Berry because he claimed "every time we played Birmingham City he led us a merry dance!"), Alex Ferguson did not forget the young Swede's performance and tried to sign him. Almost four years later, and after four unsuccessful bids, he finally arrived at Old Trafford.Jesper began his professional footballing career with Swedish First division club Umea. In 1993 he was voted the best young Swedish player, and in autumn of the same year he moved to IFK Gothenburg where he enjoyed a considerable amount of success, winning the League Championship in his first season and reaching the quarter-finals of the European Cup in the following season.His performances attracted the attention of many of Europe's leading clubs including Manchester United. In the end, Gothenburg chose to sell their star player to Italian giants AC Milan.At Milan, Blomqvist experienced mixed fortunes, claiming: "It was hard for me at Milan. The team were not playing so well and it was difficult for the new players to settle down."Milan finally sold Blomqvist to Parma where his game and all round play improved. "Parma helped me become a better defensive player as well as playing as an attacking winger." Although happy at Parma, a change of coach and the chance of playing in the English Premier League prompted Blomqvist to consider a change of surroundings and join United.At the press conference to confirm his เธขเธƒ4.4 million signing the Swedish star said, "I think I am going to enjoy it in English Premier League. The football here is more fun than in Italy."After a foot injury ruled him out of the first month of the season, Blomqvist made his debut against Charlton Athletic in a convincing 4-1 victory. However his good display went somewhat unnoticed, due to the off-field activities at board room level capturing all the news headlines.He has since been a regular member of the squad and he scored his first League goal for United on 31 October 1998 in a 4-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. He made 38 appearances in the club's record breaking treble-winning season - a very satisfactory start.Blomqvist is a Swedish international who was included in the squad for the 1994 World Cup in the USA. His pace, skill and eye for goal have drawn comparisons to United's own Ryan Giggs. Nevertheless, Blomqvist is quick to stress that although Giggs has influenced him, he is a player in his own right. "Ryan Giggs was one of my inspirations when I was a young player, but now I think I must find my own inspiration."Prior to the 1999/2000 campaign Jesper scored United's first goal on their pre-season tour of Australia and the Far East.Injury struck soon afterwards, however, and his 1999/2000 season was spent mainly in Sweden, receiving treatment on a troublesome knee injury. Jesper eventually recovered only to pick up yet another knee injury.The second injury, the same as his previous one, but on his other knee was picked up during pre-season training for the 2000/01 campaign. Jesper is currently receiving treatment at his former club Gothenburg.International stats correct at 19.6.00.


DWIGHT YORKE
Birthplace:Canaan, Tobago, 3/11/1971
Height:175cm - 5ft 9in
Weight:79.4kg - 12st 7lb
Full International:Trinidad and Tobago
Position:Forward
Squad Number:19
Debut:22.08.1998
 		  MARK LYNCH
Birthplace:Manchester, 2 September 1981
Height:180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight:71kg - 11st 3lb
Position:Defender
Squad Number:38
Debut:..
MICHAEL STEWART
Birthplace: 26/2/1981
Height: 180cm - 5ft 11in
Weight: 75kg
Position: Midfielder
Squad Number: 28
Debut: 14.05.2000
Born in the outskirts of Edinburgh, Michael Stewart began his footballing career playing for his local Boys' Club.It was here that United's Scotland scout spotted him and asked him to travel to Manchester for a trial.Stewart obviously made an impression and was asked back down on school holidays.When Stewart reached fifteen, he was asked to sign for United when he left school. Although he had been playing at Rangers twice a week, Stewart jumped at the chance to relocate in Manchester.In Stewart's first season at United, 1997/98 he progressed from Lancashire League Division Two to Division One, making sixteen appearances and scoring two goals. By the following season Stewart had broken into the Reserves and featured heavily in the Manchester Senior Cup competition.Season 1999/2000 gave Michael Stewart his first taste of first team football when he was named as a sub for the last game of the season away to Aston Villa. He was not too concerned about not playing in that match, saying that just to being there was good enough.In season 2000/01, the fans got their first glimpse of Stewart, making his first appearances in the Worthington Cup. Later in the same campaign, he was called up by Scotland to play for their Under-21 team.

  MICHAEL TWISS
Birthplace:Salford, 26/12/1977
Height:182cm - 6ft 0in
Weight:84kg - 13st 3lb
Position:Forward
Squad Number:42
Debut:25.02.1998
Local boy Michael Twiss first played his football for his schools team. He also went on to represent Greater Manchester and the North West of England.
A regular at United's Centre of Excellence, Twiss has risen up through the youth scheme, signing as a trainee on 11 July 1994. Two years later, on 1 July 1996, Twiss signed as a professional.During Michael's first season at the club, (1994/95) he made 25 full and three substitute appearances in the Lancashire League Division Two, scoring nine goals along the way. In his second season he progressed into the A team and became their top goalscorer. In the 1996/97 season, his hard work earned him five starts for the reserve team.Already this young player is building an impressive trophy collection, he owns an F.A.Youth Cup Winners medal from 1995/96 and two Lancashire League Division One medals.He arrived at the club as a winger but has been utilised in many positions and made his first team debut as a full-back at Barnsley, in the F.A. Cup 5th round replay on 25 February 1998.He returned to Yorkshire in August 1998 to start a seven-month loan period with Sheffield United, then managed by former United captain Steve Bruce.
Michael made 2(10) League appearances for the Blades, scoring one goal, and played 2(3) games in the FA Cup, including the controversial tie against Arsenal.One senior appearance for United in 1999/2000, in the Worthington Cup tie against Aston Villa, was followed by a trial at Norwich City. The Canaries did not take up the option of signing Michael, and he finished the season in the Reserves.
RONNIE WALLWORK
Birthplace: Manchester, 10/9/1977
Height: 175cm - 5ft 9in
Weight: 81kg - 12st 11lb
Position: Midfield
Squad Number: 22
Debut: 25.10.1997
Ronnie Wallwork joined United as a 16-year-old straight from school, after attending the FA National School of Excellence at Lilleshall, signing as a trainee in July 1994. The following year, Wallwork was in the side which defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Youth Cup final.The following year he picked up a further two winners' medals, one in the FA Lancashire Youth Cup and a Pontin's Central League medal with the Reserve team.1996 was a successful year for Ronnie, as in addition to his medal collection he was also Manchester United's Young Player of the Year. The trophy had previously won by the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.In the 1996/97 season United swept the honours board with the first team winning the Premier League and the Reserves, A and B teams all winning their respective leagues. Wallwork played an important part, picking up medals in the Pontin's Central League Premier Division and the Lancashire League Division One. (Reserves and A team respectively).His League debut came as a substitute in United's 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley on 25 October 1997. Later that season he gained some valuable experience in the Football League while on loan with Carlisle United and Stockport County.In 1998/99, Ronnie found himself out of the running for a first team place, and was consequently loaned out to Royal Antwerp in the Belgian League, along with United colleague Danny Higginbotham.Apart from playing for Manchester United, Ronnie is also an occasional member of the England Under-21 squad.On returning from Belgium and successfully appealing against a life ban imposed for an incident while at Antwerp, Ronnie found himself in the First Team frame.He came off the bench four times in the League, and started matches in the Worthington Cup and the FIFA World Club Championships.

  DANNY WEBBER
Birthplace: Manchester, 28
December 1981
Height: 175cm - 5ft 9in
Weight: 67kg
Position: Forward
Squad Number: 37
Debut: 28.11.2000
Danny Webber was first spotted by United whilst he was on Manchester City's books.At the time, Webber was ten and had only been playing for City for a couple of months.He says the move to United came about because he kept losing the forms to sign for City's Centre of Excellence. Although his cousins were both playing for City, his loyalty lay with United, so he made the move when the opportunity arose.In Webber's first season at United, 1998/99, he made thirteen appearances for the Under-17 team and finished top scorer with seventeen goals. This was quite an achievement because in the February he had torn the cartilage in his knee and was out for the rest of the season.The following season saw Webber in the Under-19 side, where he scored ten goals in only twelve appearances. He also appeared in the Manchester Senior Cup competition and came on as a sub twice for the Reserves.By season 2000/01, Webber was ready to break into the first team, and made his first appearance as a substitute in the Worthington Cup match against Sunderland in November.

MARK WILSON
Birthplace: Scunthorpe, 9/2/79
Height: 184cm - 6ft 0in
Weight: 83kg - 13st 1lb
Position: Midfield
Squad Number: 26
Debut: 21.10.1998
Mark Wilson first came to the attention of the United faithful during the Munich Testimonial match which was played at Old Trafford in August 1998.Coming on as a substitute for Eric Cantona's select XI side, Mark struck a beautiful shot into the top corner from outside the area. It was the best of the twelve goals scored on the night.Like so many other of Fergie's fledglings, Wilson was loaned out to gain first team experience. In the 1997/98 season he spent three months at Wrexham, making thirteen League appearances and scoring four goals.Wilson signed for United as an apprentice on 10 July 1995 and turned professional seven months later on 9 February 1996. In 1996/97, he picked up a Lancashire League Division One medal, making 7(5) appearances in the A team. He repeated the feat in the following season.In 1998/99, he made his competitive first team debut as a substitute against Brondby in the Champions' League. He followed this with his first senior start at Old Trafford in the third round of the Worthington Cup against Bury.In July 1999, Mark deputised for the absent Roy Keane in the centre of midfield when United played pre-season friendlies against Australia in Melbourne and Sydney.His progress continued in the 1999/2000 season, with four senior starts spread across the Premiership, Champions League and World Club Championships.Mark spent much of the season turning out for the Reserves, however, and finished in sixth place in the FA Premier Reserve League as well as winning the Manchester Senior Cup for the second year in succession.In season 2000/01, Mark became a member of the England Under-21 squad.

 



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