When Peter Schmeichel made his farewell performance against Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp, in that incredible comeback victory to win the Champions League, Mark Bosnich was drafted in on a free transfer under the Bosman Ruling.
However, Sir Alex had initially seen a bid for Fabien Barthez rejected by Monaco and resurrected his interest in the France number one.
Sir Alex decided to set up a big-money deal for the World Cup winner but talks were protracted over the financial aspects, until a fee of close to £8 million was reportedly enough to get it done.