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Arsenal. The following year saw the Old Trafford club finish the season empty-handed with Chelsea taking the title and Arsenal claiming the Cup Final on penalties after United had dominated the match. After a fifth round exit in 2006, United reasserted their Cup pedigree by reaching the first Final at the new Wembley in 2007.
    Famous Fans
    The list of celebrity fans of Manchester United is endless but they include, from the music world: Victoria Beckham (former Spice Girl and wife of David), Richard Ashcroft (the Verve), Ian Brown (the Stone Roses), Tim Burgess (the Charlatans), Mick Hucknall (Simply Red), Kym Marsh and opera singer Russell Watson.

    *Victoria Beckham, former Spice Girl and wife of David.
    Former England cricket captain Michael Atherton and snooker player John Virgo (Big Break) are two of the many sports stars to follow the Red Devils, as do television personalities Eamonn Holmes (former GMTV presenter), Terry Christian (The Word), comedian Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge), Angus Deayton (the former Have I Got News For You host), Patrick Kielty (the Irish comedian who fronted Fame Academy and Celebrity Love Island), TV chef Gary Rhodes and former weather girl turned presenter Ulrika Jonsson.

    *TV news presenter Eamonn Holmes is a famous fan.
    They also attract a multitude of soapstars including Emmerdale’s Mark Charnock (Marlon Dingle) and Lisa Riley (Mandy Dingle), Coronation Street’s Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster) and Sean Wilson (Martin Platt), EastEnders’ Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and Dream Team’s Terry Kiely (Fletch) to name a few. Other actors who have proclaimed their loyalty to Old Trafford include James Nesbitt (Cold Feet and the voice of Tractor Tom) and Christopher Eccleston (the former Dr Who).

    *Actor James Nesbitt.
    FA Premiership
    Having failed to win the first Division title between 1967 and 1992, the inception of the Premier League in 1992-93 saw United claim the trophy at the first attempt and retain it the following year. The final day of the 1995 season arrived with United being in a position to claim a hat-trick of trophies if they beat West Ham United and Blackburn failed to beat Liverpool. As it turned out, Blackburn lost at Anfield but United could only manage a 1-1 draw at Upton Park so the title went to Ewood Park.
    With Eric Cantona reinstated to the side following his eight-month ban, United began to reel in Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United side that had amassed a seemingly unassailable lead at the top of the Premiership. A 1-0 victory at St James’ Park in March 1997 brought the gap to one point and proved a turning point as the Magpies finished the season in second place, four points adrift.

    *Manchester United celebrate after winning the Premier League, 2009.
    United finished second to Arsenal in 1997-98 but then went on to win three consecutive Premierships before their dominance faded.
    Chelsea again dominated the 2006 campaign but United went on to complete another hat-trick of Premier League wins on May 16 2009, when they secured their 11th Premier League title – and 18th League title overall – following a 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal.
    Ferdinand
    After his talents as an accomplished defender in the 2002 World Cup were made evident, Alex Ferguson decided that Rio Ferdinand (born 7 November 1978) was just what United needed to sort out their shaky defence. He was transferred from West Ham United for the record fee for a defender of £30 million and signed for United in July 2002.
    Ferdinand is renowned for his calm ability on the ball, his talent for maintaining great pace and his aerial flair. Armed with good organisational skills and his talent to anticipate the game, Ferdinand has established himself as one of the world’s top defenders. He only really found his feet at United towards the end of his first season, after injury and lack of form hampered his efforts at the start, and he helped United win their 15th League title.
    In September 2003,