After years of Premier League domination, Ferguson looked set to miss out on his Champions League dream yet again at the hands of Juventus in the 1999 semi-final. Following a respectable 0-0 draw at Old Trafford in the first leg, the Italians took just 10 minutes to move into a commanding position with a 2-0 lead at the Stadio Delle Alpi through the ruthless Filippo Inzaghi.

However, Marcello Lippi's side didn't count on the hardened spirit of their English opponents who, through Roy Keane and Dwight Yorke, got themselves level on the night and ahead on the away goals rule before the first half was out. Ferguson was forced to endure a nervy second period but could enjoy the sweet relief of reaching his first Champions League final as Andy Cole swept home a dramatic winner in the 85th minute.