Manchester United documentary ‘99 is an exquisite hit of nostalgia to distract from club’s present woes
The IndependentSign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Because, as much of the third episode – it is no coincidence there are three, given it documents a historic treble – concerns a Champions League final where Sir Alex Ferguson got his team selection and tactics wrong, his side largely played poorly and could have been hammered but won because they were Manchester United. Yet – and while Solskjaer, whose happy place remains Old Trafford in 1999, talks of them all being mates – United’s team spirit came in spite or because of their personality clashes. “He said: ‘Why don’t you f**k off back to London with your Ferrari?’” An assist and a goal in a Champions League final later, perhaps even Keane was glad Sheringham did not heed his advice. Beckham brings smiling charisma, Schmeichel candid insight, Dwight Yorke joie de vivre, Sheringham a ready acceptance that some people didn’t like him, Henning Berg about three sentences to prove the filmmakers interviewed Henning Berg.