Ryan Giggs goal against Arsenal voted the greatest moment in FA Cup history

Manchester United’s dramatic extra-time victory over Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final has been cemented at the summit of the competition’s folklore after Ryan Giggs’ solo winner was voted the greatest moment in the tournament’s history. A poll of 2,000 supporters conducted by The Express placed the Welsh winger’s blistering run and finish above every other iconic episode the Cup has produced, from giant-killings to Wembley wonder strikes.

Giggs, introduced from the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson as United fought fatigue on three fronts, seized on a loose Patrick Vieira pass deep inside his own half. What followed was 60 yards of balletic balance and raw pace: four Arsenal shirts left in his wake, the last defender bamboozled, and David Seaman beaten by a rising rocket into the roof of the net. Villa Park erupted; United were propelled to a final they would win 2-0 against Newcastle, and the Treble dream stayed alive.

The goal edged out Wimbledon’s 1988 triumph over Liverpool, which finished second in the poll, while Leicester City’s 2021 final victory against Chelsea claimed third. Paul Gascoigne’s thunderous 1991 free kick for Tottenham against Arsenal and Wigan’s shock 2013 defeat of Manchester City also featured prominently, yet none could dislodge Giggs’ moment of brilliance.

Few recall that Roy Keane’s legitimate effort in the initial tie, had it stood, would have rendered the replay—and its signature strike—unnecessary. Instead, the stage was set for a substitute to author the competition’s most enduring highlight. United, 13-time winners, will not add to that tally this season after a third-round exit at Brighton, but the club will return next year aiming to match Arsenal’s record 14 triumphs and, perhaps, witness a new chapter of Cup magic.