Manchester United weren’t in the Champions League this year – but fans have still found a way to make the final all about them.
In case you haven’t heard, only one English club has ever won the treble.
Some say it is the one remaining splash of red in a city painted blue over the last ten years.
Sir Alex Ferguson famously guided United to Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League glory in 1999 but on Saturday, Manchester City can remove their neighbours’ bragging right once and for all.
With the Premier League and the FA Cup already sewn up, Pep Guardiola’s side are one win away from replicating their rivals.
Inter Milan, who finished third in Serie A and 18 points off title-winners Napoli, are the only thing standing in their way.
Even with City’s bizarre record of Champions League failure, many expect this to be a straightforward victory for one of the greatest teams of the modern era.
And that’s why United fans are getting their arguments ready in advance.
When asked whose treble would be more important, United Stand vlogger and talkSPORT host Mark Goldbridge said: “It’s Man United and that’s not even tinted.
“We did it first and we did it harder. The Arsenal side that pushed us in 1999 is better than the Arsenal side now.
“The Champions League was stronger then. Also, Man United didn’t buy their team.
“There were four homegrown players in the starting XI.”
However, even the players responsible for delivering United’s iconic treble have been left in awe of City.
Teddy Sheringham scored one and created the other as the Red Devils netted two goals in stoppage time to beat Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.
And even he isn’t too worried about that legacy. Sheringham told talkSPORT: “I wouldn’t hold it against them!
“I know I’m an ex-Red and I don’t want them to do it.
“But if they did, you would just have to hold your hands up and say they’ve been absolutely phenomenal.
“It’s been like watching poetic football – the way they’ve played this year.
“They would absolutely deserve to do the treble as well.”
Dwight Yorke shared the Golden Boot that season – and he doesn’t seem particularly bothered about City’s success.
Yorke told talkSPORT: “I understand why there is a big uproar.
“The fact they are trying to emulate and equal what we did. They’re not surpassing anything.
“They’re joining an elite group of players and a club with a historical moment.
“If they go on to do it, you just have to take your hat off to them.”
So it would be equals-pequals. That seems like the fairest way to look at it. After all, it is literally the exact same achievement.
But what if City went one better in the near future?
talkSPORT host Simon Jordan believes it is only a matter of time before Guardiola’s side become the first-ever quadruple winners.
He said: “There is a possibility they could win the quadruple.
“They’ve owned the League Cup for many years. It’s a rarity they don’t win that in a season.
“If this gap isn’t bridged, this side are currently the best in world football. I think they will only continue.”
In other words, Saturday won’t be the end of United’s misery.
So why not follow Sheringham and Yorke on the high road to acceptance? It’s a happier place and you’ll be more comfortable there.
Listen to the Champions League final live on talkSPORT at 8pm on Saturday, presented by Adrian Durham with commentary from Jim Proudfoot and former City manager Stuart Pearce!