

Wednesday, May 19, 1999 Published at 22:15 GMT 23:15 UK





Manchester United player profiles







Peter Schmeichel

Aged 35

The Danish International goalkeeper will play his last game for United against Bayern Munich in Barcelona. Along with Denis Irwin and Ryan Giggs is the only player left from the side that won the Premier League for the first time in 1993. Generally believed to be the finest keeper of his generation. Signed from Brondby in August 1991 for half a million pounds. Raimond Van der Gouw

Aged 36

The reserve goalkeeper, signed from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, has not had much chance to impress since arriving at Old Trafford. Likely to continue in his role as No. 2 after Schmeichel's departure. Gary Neville

Aged 24

England's first choice right-back established himself as a fixture in the United side at the start of the 1994/5 season. Solid performances at centre-back may become of more relevance of Jaap Stam's injury is as serious as some say. Phillip Neville

Aged 22

The younger of the two brothers and also an England international. Failed to make the England squad for France 98 and has not had the best seasons, failing to dislodge Denis Irwin at left-back. Future at the club remains secure. Henning Berg

Aged 29

Signed from local rivals Blackburn Rovers at the start of the 1997-8 season for £5m and vies for the second centre-back spot with fellow Norwegian Ronny Johnsen. Winner of a championship medal with Rovers, he can also play at right-back. Ronny Johnsen

Aged 29



Perhaps one of United's most underrated performers and yet another Norwegian international. Signed from Besiktas for £1.5m at the start of the 1996/7 season as a replacement for Steve Bruce. Earned rave reviews for his performances at centre-back during France 98 and can also play effectively in the centre of midfield. David May

Aged 28

Another defender to move from Blackburn, in 1994 for £1.2m, May has yet to show the promise that was evident at Ewood Park. Recalled during recent matches because of injuries to Johnsen and Berg, but is considered a squad member. Jaap Stam

Aged 26



The most expensive defender in the world was signed from PSV Eindhoven for £10.6m before France 98. Hesitant displays during the World Cup and opening games for United made many question Alex Ferguson's judgement, but the Dutch international has been immaculate for the vast majority of the season since. Recent injuries have made him a doubt for both finals. Denis Irwin

Aged 33

The Republic of Ireland international is looking to end his ninth season at the club by collecting one of the few honours not already on his CV, the European Cup. Signed from Oldham in the summer of 1990 for under £1m, Irwin has made over 400 appearances for United and is also the regular penalty taker. A red card during the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield rules him out of the FA Cup final. Wes Brown

Aged 19

An England international while still in his teens, the looks bright for Brown, who has made over 20 appearances for United during the season. Comfortable at right-back or centre back, he may still be considered lacking enough experience for the big night in Barcelona. David Beckham

Aged 24



The most photographed and talked about footballer in Britain has arguably had his best year for United since breaking into the first team during the 1995/6 double winning season. Responsible for many of the goals scored by Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole with his crosses from right midfield, and has chipped in with the odd goal himself. Has responded magnificently to the criticism he faced after being sent off for England against Argentina during France 98. Along with the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs has graduated from the United youth team. Nicky Butt

Aged 24

Like Johnsen, an unsung but hugely effective member of the side, Butt broke through during the 1994/5 season and is already considered a United veteran. His impressive form perhaps persuaded Ferguson to part with Paul Ince, and the central midfielder has a handful of England caps to his name. Major responsibility for him in Barcelona given the absence of Roy Keane. Paul Scholes

Aged 24

Seldom can a player be considered a regular for his country and not for his club, but such is the predicament of Scholes. Averaging nearly a goal every other game for England, the Salford-born graduate of the youth team has found first team opportunities harder to grasp this season with the return of Keane to midfield and the purchase of Yorke. Is comfortable either as a central midfielder going forward or playing just behind the front two. Suspended from the European Cup Final. Roy Keane

Aged 27



The driving force behind the treble chase, the team captain and Republic of Ireland international has enjoyed a tremendous season in the centre of midfield. While still likely to pick up sill cautions (like the one which ruled him out of the trip to Barcelona), Keane has few peers in the modern game. Can play as an emergency centre-back and also scores vital goals. Signed from Nottingham Forest for £3.75m, a then record fee between English players. Jesper Blomquist

Aged 25

This Swedish international, signed from Italian club Parma for £4.4m, first caught the attention of United fans when scoring against the Red Devils. The left-winger scored against the Old Trafford outfit during the 1994/5 Champions League while playing for Gothenburg. Injuries to Giggs have meant over 30 appearances for the player, whose pace and crossing ability have impressed. Ryan Giggs

Aged 25



The England schoolboy captain turned Welsh international may not have played too many games for his team this season, but his winning goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final replay at Villa Park is almost certain to be voted the best of the season. The original teen idol of the 90s, his pace, balance and variety of skills make him one of the most feared attacking players in the world, whether as a left winger or a centre forward. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Aged 26

Signed from Norwegian Premier League side Molde in 1996 for £1.5m, the 'baby-faced assassin' is not the first choice striker for his side despite having scored 44 goals in just 100 games for his side. A boyhood Liverpool fan, it was his goal that knocked out the Merseysiders in dramatic style in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Despite interest from Spurs at the start of the season, the Norwegian international is determined to win a regular place at Old Trafford Teddy Sheringham

Aged 33

Signed from Spurs for £3.5m in the summer of 1997 to replace the retiring Eric Cantona, the England international was an instant hit with the United faithful, forming a seemingly irresistible partnership with Cole. When the partnership dried up towards the end of that first season, it was Sheringham who found himself the target of much of the criticism. Yorke's arrival condemned the former Millwall and Forest player to life on the bench, but his reappearance towards the end of this Premiership season has been influential. Andy Cole

Aged 27

Acquired in shocking circumstances from Newcastle and Kevin Keegan for £6.25m in January 1995, this England international has enjoyed good and bad times at Old Trafford. Loss of form and a broken leg hindered his progress in 1996, but the last two seasons have seen him near the top of the goalscoring charts, as he was when at Newcastle. Enjoys a great understanding with Yorke. Dwight Yorke

Aged 27



United's record signing, costing a staggering £12.6m from Aston Villa shortly after the start of the season, Yorke's goals have brought the club closer even than Eric Cantona could to what has been described as Ferguson's holy grail - the European Cup. A sensational season.







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