Football fans and pundits have long debated the cause of Manchester United's success during the 1990s and early 2000s. How did Sir Alex Ferguson maintain such high standards, guiding United to 13 league titles, five FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and several other trophies? Was it his inspirational work ethic; his man management; his sixth sense for when to root out troublesome players; or his constant hiring of top assistant managers?

While all those things undoubtedly played a part, a new and possibly more important factor has been revealed: the humble Jaffa Cake. One of Fergie's former players, Brian McClair, this week shed some light on the surprise catalyst for success. According to McClair, in 1992 Ferguson hired a 'nutritional guru' to help improve the players' diet, and was told the little orange and chocolate cakes (definitely not biscuits) were the real deal.

It just so happens that the 1992-93 Premier League season saw United begin their dominance. Perhaps it wasn't the signing of French genius Eric Cantona that year that set Fergie's team on the path to brilliance.