MANAGER IN TOON... IN TOMORROW’S MIRROR
who made that squad really special. And Keano led by example.”
Keane (left, celebrating in his civvies with Ryan Giggs) and midfield maestro Paul Scholes, both missed the final through suspension.
But Sheringham was quick to stress the quality of the squad.
He said: “Yes, we had good young English players, who came of age at just the right time – David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Scholesy, the Neville brothers. And we had Andy Cole up front.
“We had tremendous players from other countries too – Jaap Stam from Holland, Peter Schmeichel from Denmark, Keano from Ireland, Ryan Giggs from Wales, Ronny Johnsen and Ole from Norway, Dwight Yorke from Trinidad and Tobago.
“And in every competition, we had to show resolve and spirit.”
Ferguson – knighted after the triumph in Barcelona– recently sat down at a UEFA coaching assembly to dissect United’s triumph.
He explained why he tactically wanted to get three strikers – Solskjaer, Sheringham and Yorke – on the field at the same time for the climax.
Fergie said: “We did really well in terms of how Bayern operated because they always took Alexander Zickler and Basler off when they were winning games.
“Then they’d have a tighter midfield, but it did allow me to play three up.
“We got a bit of luck on the equalising goal.
“But from that moment on, I knew we were going to win – because Bayern were down on their knees by that time.”