CNN/SI - 1999 Champions League Final - Manchester United Player Profiles

EVENTS
MLB Playoffs
NHL Preview
Rugby World Cup
Century's Best
Swimsuit '99

CENTERS
Fantasy Central
Inside Game
Multimedia Central
Statitudes
Your Turn
Teams
Cities

AD PARTNERS

Power of Caring
presented by CIGNA

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
This Week's Issue
Previous Issues
Special Features
Life of Reilly
Frank Deford
Subscriber Services
SI for Women

FEATURES
Trivia Blitz
Free Email

TELEVISION
CNN/SI - TV
Turner Sports

SHOPPING
CNN/SI Travel
Golf Pro Shop
MLB Gear Store
NFL Gear Store

SI FOR KIDS
Sports Parents
Games
Buzz World
Shorter Reporter

SITE RESOURCES
About Us
myCNN

Manchester United Player Profiles

Goalkeeper

Peter Schmeichel , 35. United manager calls the Dane among the greatest 'keepers of all time. Wednesday's game will be his last for the Reds -- he's leaving United to play next season in another European league with a less demanding schedule.

Defenders

Gary Neville , 24. The England regular has played everywhere along the backline. Right-back continues to be his best position, although he has filled in alongside Jaap Stam at the heart of the defense.

Jaap Stam , 26. The Dutchman moved this year from PSV Eindhoven in a 10.75-million-pound ($17.2 million) tranfer, making him the most expensive defender in history. After a slow start, has been the core of United's defense -- perhaps the team's weakest area. Is battling an achilles injury but expected to start.

Phil Neville , 22. The younger Neville brother has been a fill-in most of the season playing behind Denis Irwin at left-back. Did a sound job against Newcastle in the FA Cup.

Denis Irwin , 33. The Ireland international (51 caps) sat out the FA Cup final under suspension. Will add stability to a defense sure to be spread out and tested.

Midfielders

Ronny Johnsen , 29. The Norwegian began the season as Stam's central defensive partner before an injury ended the pairing. Fought his way back into contention and has performed well in a back-up role.

Nicky Butt , 24. Has been used in a mostly reserve role behind Roy Keane and Paul Scholes and is one of the hardest workers on the side. Will get the call with Scholes and Keane both suspended.

David Beckham , 24. The England star has had a great season following his vilification for his sending off against Argentina in the World Cup. One of the best crossers in world soccer. Will have to take charge with Keane missing.

Ryan Giggs , 25. The Welshman has been nagged all season by injuries, but is always dangerous on the left wing. Scored one of the most spectacular solo goals of all time against Arsenal to book United's place at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

Forwards

Andy Cole , 27. Got the winning goal in the last game of the season against Tottenham to secure the league title. Has scored 24 goals and -- with Dwight Yorke -- gives United blazing speed up front.

Dwight Yorke , 27. The Tobagan has scored 29 goals and proved to be worth the 12.6 million pounds ($20.2 million) United paid Aston Villa for him. Didn't start in the FA Cup final but will vs. Bayern.

Key Substitutes

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer , 26. Some would name the 26-year-old Norwegian forward as Man United's most valuable player. Has 17 goals coming off the bench and is a great weapon to have behind Cole and Yorke.

Teddy Sheringham , 33. The former Tottenham striker has had an eventful season. Required an operation on his knee, and when he has been fit, has had problems winning a starting place. Came off the bench and scored United's first goal in 2-0 win over Newcastle in FA Cup final.

Key Absentees

Paul Scholes , 24. The speedy midfielder is out suspended. Scored a hat trick in England's 3-1 win over Poland this year in a European qualifier and scored in Saturday's FA Cup final.

Roy Keane , 27. The influential captain will also miss the Barcelona final because of suspension. Often considered the heart of Manchester United and the key at midfield, picked up an ankle injury in F.A. Cup final, which might have ruled him out even without the suspension.