David Beckham is congratulated by Teddy Sheringham

Their next match also brought defeat and an early exit from the Worthington Cup at the hands of Aston Villa when Fergie's latest crop of fledglings failed to make their mark.

The persistent search for silverware was satisfied at the third time of asking when United won their first world crown by beating South American champions Palmeiras in the Inter-Continental Cup in Tokyo.

Early matches in the defence of the European Cup also saw United fail to fire on all cylinders, but a good run against NK Croatia, Sturm Graz of Austria, and Marseille, ensured they cruised through into the second group stages where they were drawn against Bordeaux, Valencia, and Fiorentina.

Controversy

Widespread controversy had been caused by the club's decision to sacrifice its participation in the FA Cup to play in the World Club Championship and in January the team duly jetted off to Rio to take part in the inaugural competition.

A series of poor performances meant an early exit for United but a winter break in the South American sun did them no harm and they returned to Premiership action refreshed and displaying some of the unstoppable form of last season.

All eyes were then focused on the second group stage of the Champions League which they progressed with flying colours to set up a quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.

But their European defence ended when they were beaten 3-2 at Old Trafford having held the Spaniards to an away draw in the first leg.

Manchester United's next game saw them soften the blow by retaining their Premiership crown with a win at Southampton, having lost just three league games all season.