Mata: My memories of United's Treble success
Juan Mata has given a fascinating account of what he remembers of that unforgettable moment Manchester United sealed the Treble almost 20 years ago.
He may have only been a youngster at the time but the Spaniard vividly recalls two clear memories from the night of 26 May 1999, when the Reds produced the dramatic late comeback to beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final and clinch the last part of our unprecedented trophy haul.
“I was just 11 years old and I remember two things,” Juan told us in a recent interview. “Obviously the goals – Ole’s and Sheringham’s. But I also remember the Bayern Munich players lying on the floor devastated.”
Grant and Mata's Treble reflections
Lee Grant and Juan Mata were young at the time but have vivid memories of the historic moment we sealed the Treble…
“So I could feel the happiness on one side from this club, obviously, and the sadness of Bayern – they were devastated they had lost the game that they felt they had won.
“They were touching the trophy with their hands and it escaped from them. I don’t know why I focused on that - seeing them very, very sad.
“I thought life, like in football, can change in a few seconds. On that night, obviously it changed for the better for Manchester United winning the Treble, the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League – something that nobody has done since then.”
Juan went on: “I guess it was a trademark season for Manchester United and what this club embodies – which is winning, having good players, not giving up, believing, coming back, legendary games, legendary goals and legendary moments.
“It all happened in one season – winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League in barely a few weeks altogether.
“I imagine Manchester, the town, celebrating with the team, I imagine how happy everyone should have been at this club. It’s just emotions and happiness and something historic because no team was able to do it before them.”
Champions League final 1999
Watch action from that historic night in May 1999 when we beat Bayern Munich to seal an unprecedented Treble...
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE TREBLE REUNION MATCH
United’s Treble-winning squad will be reunited on Sunday at Old Trafford when facing a team of Bayern Munich legends once again, 20 years to the day since that famous night at the Nou Camp.
Tickets for the 15:00 BST kick-off, in aid of the Manchester United Foundation, are still available to buy online or by calling 0161 868 800.