Tifosi Talk: What do Juve fans think of United?
In the latest issue of Inside United magazine, a couple of hardened Juventus supporters explain their assessment of our club and the players who have struck a chord.
The Italian fans spoke to us ahead of this week's highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League Group H tie at Allianz Stadium, where the Reds hope to secure a victory following last month's 1-0 defeat to the Serie A champions at Old Trafford.
FRANCESCO NEGRONI
Scroll down to read his thoughts on United...
“In the ‘90s everything about United was an example to us in Italy. It was such a modern club thanks to its marketing, image and communications. They represented the way the sport was moving.”
“Juve have expanded and grown enormously recently, so the difference isn’t so wide today. But in those years it was a clear gap. Although on the pitch we and United were the best teams in Europe.”
“I remember the semi-final in Turin very well. We scored twice after 11 minutes. It felt like game over. Then they got the measure of us and took control. They showed they were better than us.”
“Not everyone could come to Turin, gone 2-0 down early and come back to win. That was the best United ever. Of course, I remember Roy Keane in that game. But Dwight Yorke was also fantastic.”
“When I hear the name Manchester United, the name that springs to mind is David Beckham. He had it all: the looks, the profile and the talent. But my favourite was Ryan Giggs. I don’t think Giggs got enough credit during that era.”
SIMONE STENTI
Keep scrolling down your page to read the next assessment of United, which comes from a lifelong admirer of Roy Keane...
“There is always a special flavour to meeting United. It’s wonderful battling clubs who have written European football history. Manchester United represent the best of English football’s history.”
“Ferguson has never hidden his admiration for that Juve of the mid-to-late-1990s. He saw an insatiable determination to win in the eyes of the Juve players. Ferguson freely admits that Lippi’s side inspired him and were a reference point.”
“With all due respect to United, Old Trafford will always remind me of the 2003 Champions League final we lost to AC Milan. All Juve fans would say that. The pain will remain forever.”
“The 1999 semi-final was fate. That loss in Turin was the emblem of the inevitable conclusion to our winning run. One of the most glorious decades in Bianconeri history was coming to a natural close.”
“Roy Keane was the type of player that you absolutely adored if he was in your team. Heart, intelligence and the right dose of competitiveness. I really liked him!”