Man Utd decided to withdraw from FA Cup in decision that shocked English football in 1999

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he "regretted" the circumstances which led to Manchester United withdrawing from the FA Cup following a so-called "political situation".

It was a moment that shocked English football to its core. In fact, some critics have since argued that the FA Cup has never fully recovered from the decision.

Back in the summer of 1999, just weeks after they lifted the world's oldest domestic cup competition with victory over Newcastle, United opted against defending the trophy so they could play in the Club World Championship.

A month after completing the treble and United released a statement to confirm the controversial news.

"We realise that many of our supporters will be as disappointed as we are with our decision not to compete in the FA Cup," they said. "Manchester United see this as an opportunity to compete for the ultimate honour of being the very first world club champions."

Unfortunately for the club and its fans, United's attempt to win the tournament in Brazil came to an abrupt end after they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Vasco da Gama in January.

Roy Keane and Gary Neville lead the Manchester United team off the field after the 3-1 defeat to Vasco da Gama. Image credit: Getty

At the time, Ferguson claimed the South American weather had rejuvenated his players, who would go on to retain their Premier League title by a record-breaking 18 points.

"It's been fantastic here – what a chance for us to come out and get some sun," he said. "Back home we would have been freezing our toes off. It's been well organised, the Brazilian people have looked after us very well. On the playing side, we wish we had been better."

But a decade later, Ferguson revealed his regret at the decision, revealing they did so to try and help England's bid to host the World Cup in 2006.

"It turned out to be a disaster for us," he told club magazine Inside United in 2009. "We did it to help England's World Cup bid and that was the political situation.

"I regretted it because we got nothing but stick and terrible criticism for not being in the FA Cup when really, it wasn't our fault at all. The Football Association and the government felt that playing in this tournament would help England's bid to host the 2006 World Cup."

He added: "There was a lot of undue criticism — but it was a great two-week break."

Sir Alex Ferguson is sent off by fourth official Saad Kamel Mane during the FIFA Club World Championship group B match against Necaxa. Image credit: Getty

The saga turned into an all-round disaster, with England's World Cup bid failing and United's attempts at winning the inaugural World Club Championships coming to an unfortunate end following defensive mistakes.