It's fair to say that the current version of Manchester United Football Club is a complete and absolute circus. Back-to-back 3-0 losses against Manchester City in the Premier League and another to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup this week have compounded the misery for the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
Long gone are the days of Ferguson's rampaging Reds, swatting aside all opponents with ease. These days, every game is a turgid affair with little or no effort applied by the players.
At one time, United had the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and many other players, including Roy Keane, to pick from. These days, that level of talent isn't there.
One man who played against the likes of Keane was former Arsenal and French midfielder Emmanuel Petit. Petit was part of the team that won the English Premier League and FA Cup double during the 1997-1998 season. He played a crucial role in Arsenal's midfield alongside Patrick Vieira during that successful campaign. The partnership between Petit and Vieira was one of the key factors behind Arsenal's title-winning season.
He was also part of the successful French national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 1998. He played a significant role in the tournament, scoring the third and final goal in the 3-0 victory over Brazil in the final.
This week, the Frenchman sat down with the Irish Post to discuss what it was like to play in games like the famous 1999 FA Cup semi-final against the likes of Keane and Nicky Butt during his career
For context, the 1999 FA Cup semi-final between Arsenal and Manchester United is forever known as one of the most memorable matches in English football. The game took place on April 11, 1999, at Villa Park, Birmingham.
Arsenal, the Premier League champions at the time, were on a mission to stop Manchester United from becoming the first side ever to win a treble of trophies that included the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
Manchester United took the lead in the game thanks to David Beckham's 17th-minute strike. Arsenal would then level proceedings thanks to Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp.
The game did not hold much excitement until extra-time came about. One of the most famous goals in English football history was scored when United winger Ryan Giggs picked up a loose ball in his own half, dribbled past several Arsenal players, and scored a sensational solo goal, giving Manchester United a 2-1 lead.
The drama wasn't over, though. Phil Neville was guilty of giving away a penalty near the end of the second half of the game. He was judged to have fouled Ray Parlour inside the box. However, Peter Schmeichel, United's keeper, saved the spot-kick, which meant that United won the famous tie.
Ryan Giggs scoring one of the best goals ever seen in the FA Cup, 1999. pic.twitter.com/8V0AyacVYj
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) November 1, 2022
Petit explained what it was like to play in that game against United.
"Back in those days, Manchester United were ruling the Premier League. They were one of the best teams in Europe, with such amazing players and a great manager on the bench. They had a great mentality at the club," said the former Arsenal man.
For many, Keane, United's captain in those days, embodied that strong mentality that United had so much of and now also lacks.
"Roy Keane was always a fierce opponent on the pitch. He had a great mentality. He was always arguing with referees, teammates, and players he faced. He was the soul of this team. He wasn't the best player on the pitch, but he was the best in terms of engagement and winning at all costs. He was the first one to put his stamp on the game.
"Arsene Wenger always told us to be careful on the pitch, especially when we received the ball, and he was behind us. You always knew that he would receive a kick no matter what happened. So, he was always telling us not to fall into his game of provocation. It was always a challenge to cope with Keane on the pitch."
Another battle that dominated English football at the time was Keane's battle with Patrick Vieira. The pair became famous for their many verbal exchanges and battles in the late nineties and early noughties. Many fans and pundits hold the belief that battles like Keane and Vieira's duels are a thing of the past. Petit is also one of them.
"For me, it was one of the best duels in terms of modern football. I don't see that nowadays. I don't see myself in most of the players now. For me, it was one of the best battles ever."
These days, things are vastly different for both clubs. United are in a constant circle of disarray, while Arsenal finally seems to have found the winning formula under Mikel Arteta.
Petit was asked the question about United's current problems and admitted that it was sad to see United in such a state of bother in 2023.
"Manchester United have had so many troubles for years and years on and off the club. It's so far away from its DNA. Most of the team are not scared to come to Old Trafford anymore. I remember back in the days; it was a fortress. It's not anymore. You can see there is no link between the manager and the players. This has been the case for years and years now. It happens to some of the biggest clubs and has happened to some in the past.
"It's a pity, to be honest. I am not a Manchester United fan, but watching that from outside, I'm thinking, "what the hell," added Petit.
"We are talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have got so much wrong with players and managers. There's no link on the pitch, and I don't know what they can do, but it won't come tomorrow."
Petit was speaking on behalf of OLBG.
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