The Untold Story Behind Manchester United's 1999 Champions League Triumph
In a remarkable revelation that sheds new light on one of football's most dramatic nights, former Manchester United assistant manager Steve McLaren has disclosed that Sir Alex Ferguson made an extraordinary promise to Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist ahead of the 1999 Champions League final.
A Controversial Pledge Before the Biggest Game
According to McLaren, who joined Ferguson's coaching staff earlier that year, the legendary manager complicated his selection plans by guaranteeing Blomqvist a starting position in the European Cup final against Bayern Munich. This commitment came despite Manchester United already facing significant selection headaches, with midfield stalwarts Paul Scholes and Roy Keane suspended for the crucial match.
The promise reportedly followed Blomqvist's disappointment at being left out of the starting line-up for the FA Cup final, where Manchester United had defeated Newcastle United 2-0 just days earlier. Speaking on the Managers' Podcast, McLaren detailed how he attempted to persuade Ferguson to reconsider this controversial decision.
Staff Shocked by Ferguson's Determination
'He had promised Blomqvist a game, to play in the European Cup final,' McLaren revealed, explaining how he suggested alternative tactical arrangements that would have kept Ryan Giggs in his preferred left-wing position.
When McLaren reportedly asked why Ferguson wouldn't reconsider, the manager simply responded: 'Promised Blomqvist a game.' Even when McLaren pressed further, suggesting Ferguson could explain to Blomqvist that circumstances had changed for 'the biggest game in Man United's history,' the manager remained steadfast.
'Can't do that, promised him a game,' Ferguson reportedly insisted, leaving his coaching staff astonished by his determination to honour this commitment despite the enormous stakes.
The Tactical Gamble That Paid Off
Blomqvist ultimately started on the left wing in the final, with Giggs deployed on the right as Ferguson adapted to the absence of Keane and Scholes. The Swedish international played for 67 minutes before being replaced by Teddy Sheringham, whose introduction would prove pivotal in the dramatic conclusion.
Ferguson himself admitted in a 2024 interview that his initial tactical setup 'didn't work in the first half at all,' but revealed that meticulous preparation for Bayern Munich's expected second-half changes ultimately delivered victory.
'The homework won us the game,' Ferguson told TNT Sports, explaining how he anticipated Bayern would withdraw their wide players and congest midfield. 'I had to gamble on my midfield... I wanted to make sure we had passing ability.'
The Legacy of Ferguson's Risk-Taking
McLaren suggested that Ferguson's willingness to make such bold decisions, even when they appeared risky, contributed significantly to his sustained success as a manager.
'I always say "What makes them the top, top ones?". They have got bigger balls than anybody else,' McLaren observed. 'They make massive decisions. They take risk and they're gamblers. They don't mind taking a risk and they know the consequences and can take the consequences.'
Manchester United famously triumphed 2-1 with two stoppage-time goals from Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, completing an unprecedented Treble that has entered football folklore. The revelation about Ferguson's promise to Blomqvist adds another fascinating layer to the story of that historic night in Barcelona.
