#Treble99: The final defeat that inspired greatness

Alex Ferguson's United would not taste defeat again all season – little wonder after the bitter taste which lingered long after Bryan Robson’s side had plundered three easily avoidable goals and extended the Reds’ winless run to six games.

“The entertainment is glorious, it is just the results that are a problem,” wrote Guy Hodgson, of the Independent. Worryingly, Alex Ferguson’s men had won only twice in the last ten games and for an hour of this match were too easily outplayed.

Boro deserved their first win at Old Trafford since 1930, racing into a three-goal lead inside 60 minutes before a late United fightback almost pilfered an undeserved share of the spoils. For the Reds, it was a study…