Wins first ever Premier League with United. Robson leaves Old Trafford after 464 appearances and 99 goals. September - True to form, damages foot in game against West Brom which keeps him out for three months. October - Signs Brazilian player of the year Juninho for 4.75m from Sao Paulo. Signs Brazilian midfielder Emerson from Porto for 4m and Italian striker Fabrizio Ravanelli from European Champions Juventus for 7m.
Ends spell as England coach for family reasons.
By the end of the year Emerson has gone AWOL vowing never to return to Teesside and Robson causes an outcry when he postpones match at Blackburn because of a crippling injury list. January - Makes Premiership comeback at the age of 40 at Arsenal. Ravanelli claims an Italian newspaper 'stitched him up' in an interview in which he tipped Boro for relegation and criticised training schedules. Premier League fine the club with three point deduction for non-attendance at Blackburn. Lose FA Cup final 2-0 to Chelsea.