In 1999 Manchester United won a historic treble while this season Sir Alex Ferguson's side are on course for an unprecedented quintuple. Here, we compare a select XI from each era player-for-player...

Peter Schmeichel v Edwin van der Saar

Edwin van der Saar may be breaking all kinds of clean-sheet records, but Peter Schmeichel just edges this contest. The Great Dane spent eight seasons at Old Trafford making his £530,000 transfer one of Ferguson's best pieces of business. 1999 1-0 2009

Gary Neville v Rafael Da Silva

United have yet to find a replacement for Gary Neville, who, although still at the club, has found his first-team opportunities limited by injury. Rafael Da Silva may have only featured for United on a handful of occasions but of all the right-backs at Old Trafford he could prove to be Neville's true successor. 1999 2-0 2009

Jaap Stam v Nemanja Vidic

Jaap Stam was a titan at United until some damaging comments made in his autobiography allegedly led to him falling out with Ferguson, and he was ultimately sold to Lazio. United never really replaced Stam until the arrival of Nemanja Vidic. The Serbian defender is cut from the same cloth, but is half-a-yard faster than the Dutchman and a better all-round defender. 1999 2-1 2009

Ronny Johnsen v Rio Ferdinand

Ronny Johnsen has become one of the forgotten men of the treble winning side, and his role in the team's success has gone largely undocumented. Despite being a fine footballer, you'd have to award this one to Rio Ferdinand who has blossomed during his years at United, making him one of the finest defenders in the land. 1999 2-2 2009

Denis Irwin v Patrice Evra

Denis Irwin enjoyed a glittering career at Old Trafford, playing over 300 times for the club and winning a host of trophies. The Irishman often took penalties as he was usually the coolest head on the field and while his longevity make comparisons with Patrice Evra difficult, it is for this reason that Irwin shades it. 1999 3-2 2009

David Beckham v Cristiano Ronaldo

While there is no doubt that David Beckham has had a wonderful career, as a footballer Cristiano Ronaldo would have him for breakfast. In 1999 Beckham was definitely getting into his hey day, providing pin-point crosses left, right and centre. However, Ronaldo's 42 goals last season and World Player of the Year award underline the gulf in class between the two. 1999 3-3 2009

Paul Scholes 1999 - Paul Scholes 2009

In 1999 Paul Scholes was a tour de force. A box-to-box midfielder he scored bagfuls of goals on the domestic, European and international stage. Fast forward 10 years and Scholesy may be in the twilight of his career but it is a testament to his fitness, professionalism and ability that the contest exists at all. Scholes can still play at the same level he used to, but is less effective than his was in the late 1990s, when at the peak of his powers. 1999 4-3 2009

Roy Keane v Michael Carrick

Eyebrows were raised when Fergie forked out £18.6 million for Michael Carrick, but after taking some time to bed in, the midfielder has finally come good. Roy Keane would probably have a lot of good things to say about Carrick – he's not showy and is technically superb – but may find fault in his lack of ferocity. Not only was Keane a fearsome competitor, he was also able to influence big games, something Carrick has yet to learn. 1999 5-3 2009

Ryan Giggs v Ji-Sung Park

The first time Alex Ferguson saw Ryan Giggs he said that the Welsh Wizard, “floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind.” The rest is history. For over 15 years Giggs has terrorised defences, making him one of the greatest players ever to grace the Premier League. In 1999 it was the Welshman's wonder goal against Arsenal that set United up for their FA Cup triumph and he also played a huge role in their Champions League success. Poor old Park, he doesn't really stand a chance. 1999 6-3 2009

Andy Cole v Dimitar Berbatov

Andy Cole was one of the top strikers in the country when Fergie bought him from Newcastle and at United he carried on this form scoring more than 100 goals for the club. Dimitar Berbatov hasn't even had a full season at Old Trafford, but has already established himself as a United legend. The Bulgarian's touch is sublime and his array of skills is virtually unrivalled. Despite Cole's efforts, Berbatov is a different class. 1999 6-4 2009

Dwight Yorke v Wayne Rooney

In the 90s Dwight Yorke was one of the most popular players in the Premier League. A clinical striker who always found space, he had a habit of getting in front of the defender and finding the back of the net. Yet for all Yorke's smiles there was always only going to be one winner in this contest. Wayne Rooney is possibly the most naturally-gifted English footballers of all time. Ferguson saw his limitless potential when he brought him from Everton, and at United Rooney has become a world-class player. 1999 6-5 2009

1999 Manchester United 6 - 5 Manchester United 2009