REVIEW OF THE NOUGHTIES: 2002/2003

2002/03. We got our trophy back.

Probably my favourite season of the decade. It saw us, for the first time ever in the Premiership’s history, enter the season as underdogs. With Arsenal double winners and the likes of Forlan failing to impress (or even score) from the season before, as well as question marks still firmly over Veron’s shiny loaf, people foolishly questioned Ferguson’s judgement; highlighting United’s lack of depth and inability to produce quality from the bench.




However, as always, we showed them all wrong as Van Nistelrooy was immense (scoring 44 goals), Veron more-and-more influential, Forlan scored (9!!) and the likes of Butt, Neville P, youngsters Darren Fletcher and John O’Shea, and of course Ole gave our squad the strength to competantly see off the challenge. Some people will claim ‘Arsenal lost it’ in 2002/03, but our form at the business end will forever prove that we did all the work ourselves and deservedly won back our trophy without anyone’s help.



 I still feel the last 10 games of the season – that saw us win 9 and draw only one: 2-2 at Highbury – was among the best form I have ever seen United in. It included playing Liverpool, Newcastle (a) and Arsenal (a) in the space of 11 days; scoring 4 past Liverpool, 6 past Newcastle and drawing at Arsenal as I mentioned. Van Nistellrooy was unbelievably pivotal during this final stretch too, scoring 13 goals; including 2 hat-tricks and a wonder solo goal in the 3-0 against Fulham.




...in other news, after a hostile final few months between Becks and Sir Alex (highlighted by the ‘boot in face’ incident in out FA Cup exit vs. Arsenal) Beckham finally left at the end of the season, with the 2 people involved – Sir Alex and Victoria – finally succumbing to the call from Madrid. He scored in his last home game (4-1 against Charlton), last game (2-1 against Everton) and famously, came off the bench to score a brace in his last Champions League game…against Madrid. Also, we see a 16 year old Wayne Rooney make his debut for Everton.

Players In.

Ferdinand





Goal. Van Nistelrooy’s against Fulham is the obvious choice, but I loved Forlan’s winner at home to Chelsea (2:09) on 18th January 2003. In the final minute, as the realisation of 2 vital points dropped at home to our rivals became one of likelihood rather than possibility, Veron produced a stunning chip into the box that was read perfectly by Forlan; who simply turned and volleyed it home. It was not only a crucial and thoroughly enjoyable win against Chelsea, it was also the first sign that we could be champions again. And for the two players that had, for the past year and a half, been criticized, ridiculed and highlighted as evident signs of Ferguson’s fading judgement to be involved make it extra special.





Top 4:

United – 83

Arsenal – 78

Newcastle United – 69

Chelsea – 67

Bottom 4:

Bolton Wanderers – 44

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West Ham United – 42

West Brom – 26

Sunderland – 19





Player. 44 goals? Obviously Van Nistelrooy again. Scholesy had an incredible year; scoring 20, and Giggs also had his highest scoring season for the club (15 in total), but you can't deny Ruud's record. With stella performances at home to Newcastle, away to Arsenal, Basle in the Champions League (remember that goal??) and scoring in all of the last 8 games of the season, this was well and truly his year.

Remembered for?

Some incredible league games at OT; including 2-0 vs. Arsenal, 4-0 vs. Liverpool, 5-3 vs. Newcastle and the amazing last-gasp 2-1 victory over Chelsea (see ‘Goal’ above). In Europe the 4-3 bittersweet victory over Real in the quarters was one of the best Champions League games OT has ever seen. The memory of Ronaldo (the original) being applauded by the faithful as he was subbed off having scored 3 is always a fond one.

Also, 'He comes from Uraguay...he made the Scousers cry...'

2-1 at Anfield, 1st December 2002

Best to forget…

0-2 in the Carling Cup final. Never nice to lose to the Scousers, no matter what competition it’s in. And 1-3 in the final Maine Road derby, with our former hero in their goal to further rub salt in it.

1-3 at the Bernebeu. I just remember Roberto Carlos (on the left) Figo (on the right) and Zidane (in the centre) absolutely tearing us apart that night and not letting us touch the ball. As strong as we were in the league, it proved that we clearly had a way to go to be up there with Europe’s elite.