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We've got our trophy back!After the bitter disappointment of the 2001-02 season, Manchester United returned to the summit of English football as they deposed Arsenal and retook their Premiership crown.After Arsenal clinched the Premiership so convincingly in the previous season, many were predicting the end of Manchester United's golden dynasty. Such predictions were grossly pre-mature as the team proved their critics wrong. Inspired by the goals of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, they produced a stunning unbeaten run in the second half of the Premiership campaign to win the title. Sir Alex Ferguson called it the 'sweetest' championship of the eight he has won at Old Trafford and considering the way it was achieved, it's hard to disagree with him. Arsenal were the eventual FA Cup winners after beating United in the fifth round at Old Trafford. And there was to be further cup disappointment for the Reds in March when they lost the Worthington Cup final to Liverpool. European glory again eluded United as Real Madrid put an end to United's hopes of winning the Champions' League. Despite their excellent form throughout the group stages, they came unstuck yet again in the knock-out phase. A thrilling 6:5 aggregrate defeat to Real in the quarter-finals could not disguise United's shortcomings. Nevertheless, it was still a greatly successful season for Manchester United. A second trophyless season would have heralded a crisis at the club but as Roy Keane lifted the Premiership high over his head at Goodison Park on the last day of the season, it was a clear indication that Manchester United are still the team to beat. 2002-03 Season Review
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