Welcome to The Blueprint. A weekly series where myself (pauciloquxnt) and FUTWIZ will be venturing into the world of real life tactics and how we can recreate them in FC 25. This week we’ll be looking at Sir Alex Ferguson‘s treble-winning Manchester United of 98/99, hope you enjoy it!
Manchester United 1998/99 – A Historic Treble
The 1998/99 season was a historic one for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, as they claimed the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League in a remarkable treble-winning campaign.
Central to United’s success was David Beckham, who, after bouncing back from a turbulent 1998 World Cup, had one of the best seasons of his career. His performances not only helped United dominate domestically and in Europe but also brought him to the forefront of individual accolades, a recognition that had long eluded English players. Beckham’s combination of technique, leadership, and versatility made him one of the pivotal figures in United’s season.
Tactical Framework
Formation and Build-Up Play
Ferguson’s United predominantly played in a 4-4-2 formation, but their tactical flexibility allowed them to adapt to different situations. The backline consisted of Gary Neville and Denis Irwin as full-backs, with Jaap Stam and Ronny Johnsen providing solid central defensive cover. The full-backs were primarily defensively minded but supported the attack with overlapping runs when necessary.
In midfield, Roy Keane provided the backbone as the deep-lying enforcer, while Paul Scholes or Nicky Butt offered a balance of creativity and industry. Scholes, in particular, was still a dynamic box-to-box presence, making third-man runs and contributing late into attacks, adding a further layer of unpredictability to United’s midfield. On the right-wing, David Beckham was the team’s primary creator and offensive threat, delivering accurate crosses and playing a crucial role in United’s offensive transitions. Up front, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole formed a dynamic partnership that complemented Beckham’s crosses and helped unlock opposition defences.
United’s build-up play was direct but structured, often using Beckham as a key outlet. His ability to whip in dangerous crosses from the right, combined with the movement of Yorke and Cole, allowed United to capitalise on width while maintaining defensive discipline. United’s approach to attacking wasn’t simply about possession but about creating high-quality chances through direct passes and wide play.
Defensive Organisation and Pressing
United’s defensive organisation was central to their success, especially in big matches. Ferguson’s side maintained a mid-block, with a standard defensive line and compact shape, ensuring they weren’t exposed to direct counter-attacks while remaining solid in their own half. They looked to trap opposition players wide, forcing them towards the touchline rather than inviting them into the centre.
Roy Keane, while known for his offensive contributions at Nottingham Forest, played a critical role defensively, pressing opposition midfielders and contributing to United’s press when the ball was in wide areas. His presence in the midfield allowed United to regain possession quickly and effectively. In the defensive setup, he made key interceptions and tackles to shield the backline, enabling Scholes and Butt to focus on breaking forward into attacking positions.
United’s full-backs, Neville and Irwin, provided support in defence but also contributed going forward when the situation allowed. The team’s central defensive pair of Jaap Stam and Ronny Johnsen were formidable in the air, while goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel remained an imposing presence, making crucial saves when required.
United conceded just 37 goals in the Premier League, boasting the best defensive record in the competition. The team’s collective defensive effort allowed them to remain resilient while pushing forward in attack.
Attacking Play and Goal Threat
United’s attacking play was based on quick transitions, width, and exploiting space, particularly down the right flank, where Beckham played a pivotal role. While they were capable of playing through midfield, much of their offensive threat stemmed from direct and vertical passes that quickly reached attacking areas.
- Wing Play & Width – Beckham’s ability to deliver dangerous crosses from deep on the right allowed United to stretch opposition defences. His chemistry with Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke helped create a dynamic front that could break down tight defensive blocks.
- Linking Play with Scholes & Keane – Beckham’s ability to drop deeper into midfield and link up with Keane and Scholes was essential to United’s attacking play. His versatility allowed him to operate across the pitch, making him difficult to track and ensuring that United’s attacking patterns remained fluid.
- Set Pieces & Aerial Threat – Beckham’s crossing ability made United a major threat on set pieces. United’s tall players—such as Stam, Yorke, and Cole—benefited from Beckham’s service, and his set-piece delivery resulted in key goals throughout the season.
United scored 80 goals in the Premier League, with Beckham contributing both goals and assists, while in Europe, his influence helped United score 31 goals in 13 Champions League matches. Beckham’s ability to control the tempo of games and create opportunities made him one of the most valuable players in Ferguson’s system.
David Beckham: A Watershed Season
David Beckham’s 1998/99 season was a turning point in his career. While known for his pinpoint crossing and free-kick ability, his tactical contribution went beyond set-pieces. Beckham’s performances in this treble-winning season elevated him into the conversation for some of the highest individual awards in football (2nd in Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year), the highest ever position for an English footballer in the case of the FIFA World Player of the Year.
His role had four key components:
- Wide Playmaker & Crossing Threat – Beckham was primarily deployed on the right-wing, where his crossing ability was second to none. His pinpoint deliveries into the box from wide areas were central to United’s attacking strategy. With 11 assists in the Premier League, Beckham was integral to United’s goal-scoring system, linking up with Yorke, Cole, and Scholes to create numerous chances. His ability to bend crosses in with accuracy made him a constant danger to opposition defences.
- Free-Kick and Set-Piece Specialist – Beckham’s set-piece delivery was perhaps his most famous attribute, and during this season, he was the focal point for United’s free-kicks and corners. His deadly accuracy saw him score 5 goals from direct free-kicks in all competitions, proving that he could be a constant threat from dead-ball situations.
- Central Playmaking – While primarily a right-winger, Beckham often drifted inside to combine with Keane and Scholes in central areas, orchestrating United’s play. His passing range allowed him to deliver balls both over long distances and in tight spaces, contributing to United’s ability to move the ball quickly and efficiently.
- Work Rate & Tactical Discipline – Beckham’s tactical awareness allowed him to track back and contribute defensively when needed. His work rate was exemplary, and he was a key player in United’s pressing game, often putting pressure on opposition full-backs and central midfielders to win the ball back quickly.
Beckham’s performances that season not only showed his versatility but his evolution into a more complete player. His leadership on the pitch and the precision he brought to United’s play made him a central figure in their treble-winning success.
Statistical Insights and Achievements
United’s treble-winning season was a testament to their dominance in both domestic and European competitions. Beckham’s individual contributions were key to their success:
- Premier League: 1st place, with 79 points, finishing 1 point ahead of Arsenal.
- Champions League: Defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final, securing the European crown with a thrilling late comeback.
- FA Cup: Won the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the final.
- Goals Scored: United scored 80 goals in the Premier League, with Beckham contributing 11 assists.
- Goals Conceded: United conceded just 37 goals in the Premier League, with Schmeichel recording 11 clean sheets in 34 appearances.
- David Beckham: 9 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, finishing as one of United’s most creative and consistent performers.
- Paul Scholes: Contributed 11 goals in all competitions, adding dynamism to the midfield.
Recreated for FC 25
Make sure to check out the full tactic on FUTWIZ
The Tactics
Build-Up Style is set to Balanced so that we can choose to be more direct, or slow the game down, depending on the scenario.
Line Height is set to 55 so that we hold a mid to high block but no auto-offsides. We want to have man-oriented triggers rather than a full, relentless press.
The GK is set to Goalkeeper with a Balanced focus. Schmeichel was ahead of his time in terms of coming off his line, but this was the late 90’s and as such he didn’t get involved in the build up that much, often preferring to go long.
The LB and RB are set to Fullback with a Balanced focus. Neville and Irwin weren’t marauding full backs in the modern sense, but both did support the attack at times, with Neville overlapping and Irwin sitting in the left half-space in the middle third. L1 trigger these players to support you in the open space on the pitch.
Both CBs are set to Defender with a Defend focus. The Centre-Backs of this era were physical, and defensive first. There wasn’t a big focus on playing out from the back and as such we want to make sure that we portray this accurately.
The RM is set to Wide Playmaker with a Build-Up focus. Beckham’s role was the one I needed to translate with ultimate accuracy, as he was the star of that season. Wide Playmaker with Build-Up means they will drop deeper as he did, enabling smooth link up, and crosses from deep. It also allows for the drifting into the right half space that he was so famous for.
The RCM is set to Holding with a Defend focus. While Keane was known for his attacking exploits at Nottingham Forest, he became the defensive anchor for Manchester United around this time. Holding with Defend means he will be defensively focused, but also step up to support the recycling of possession if needed.
The LCM is set to Deep-Lying Playmaker with a Build-Up focus. Paul Scholes was a player who both orchestrated with defence-splitting balls from deeper positions, but equally made late runs into the box and popped up with goals. DLP with Build-Up allows for accurate representation of this.
The LM is set to Winger with a Balanced Focus. Ryan Giggs was a quick, skilful dribbler with amazing 1v1 ability. He also tracked back and helped Irwin in defence, so we use this role and focus to allow for the authentic recreation.
The right ST is set to Target Forward with a Balanced Focus. This is because Yorke often dropped off from the defenders, giving an option for link up to feet, or long balls from the GK in order to play in Cole or head back to the midfield. This role and focus is perfect for Yorke’s contribution to the team.
The Left ST is set to Advanced Forward with a Support Focus. Andy Cole had a bit of everything, playing off the shoulder of the last defender, runs from deep, runs into channels, aerially dominant and a lethal finisher, this role and focus encapsulates everything about this Premier League legend.
Tips and Tricks
- The Target Forward will always be available for a long ball from the GK, to knock down and link up with the midfielders.
- Wing Play is going to be your main route to goal, with the LM you want a quick dribbler, who can burn defenders 1v1. The RM, a wand of a right foot, who can cross from deep.
- Don’t underestimate the power of L1 trigger runs. Your RB especially will have acres of space to overlap the RM, but only if you trigger them to go! Take advantage of the full width of the pitch!
- Both STs should be capable in the air, as you’ll have lots of opportunities for crosses with this tactic.
- For extra realism, have your RM with Dead Ball+ to really channel your inner David Beckham!
Conclusion
David Beckham’s 1998/99 season was a career-defining one, as he not only helped Manchester United secure the treble but also came close to winning individual honours that had long been denied to English players. His ability to create, score, and link up play made him a cornerstone of Ferguson’s tactical setup, while his tactical discipline and leadership on and off the ball played a key role in United’s success.
Beckham’s bounce back from the 1998 World Cup and his influence in the treble-winning campaign showcased his resilience and maturity. His remarkable performances, especially in key moments like the Champions League final and FA Cup semi-final, made him one of the most influential players in United’s history and an integral part of one of the greatest teams in English football.
Ferguson’s tactical flexibility, combined with Beckham’s brilliance and the team’s collective effort, made Manchester United’s 1998/99 treble one of the most memorable achievements in football. Beckham’s individual recognition was well-deserved, as he cemented his place as one of the game’s greatest players.
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