It’s 25 years ago this week since Manchester United took part in the inaugural FIFA Club World Championship, in Brazil.
As European champions, United were invited to the new eight-team tournament, held in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo from 5 to 14 January, in the middle of the English season.
Our participation came at a price, with Sir Alex Ferguson and his side having to forego the opportunity to defend the FA Cup, won the previous May at Wembley with victory over Newcastle United.
The decision to withdraw had been made the following month, with chairman Martin Edwards saying it was ‘in the national interest’ for United to accept the Football Association’s offer to pull out, as England were bidding to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup.