David May, a name forever etched in Manchester United’s history, is remembered for his role in the unforgettable 1999 Treble-winning season.
Though he wasn’t on the pitch during the dramatic Champions League final against Bayern Munich, his presence during the celebrations has cemented his place in United folklore.
Now, as he reflects on his football journey, May shares the story of his life, both during and after his time at Old Trafford.
A Memorable Night in 1999
May’s moment of fame came not from his actions during the final but from his ability to position himself in the right place at the right time.
On May 26, 1999, as Manchester United claimed victory in the Champions League final, May wasn’t playing but was seen front and centre in the celebrations.
His cheeky antics, including getting in every photograph, quickly became part of the lore surrounding that historic night.
As fellow defender Jaap Stam recalled in his autobiography, May managed to get his head into every iconic shot, earning a bit of playful ribbing from his teammates.
May recalls this moment fondly, acknowledging that while he didn’t play in the final, he was still proud to be part of such a legendary team.
“I always thought if I got near the trophy, I’d be in the pictures. So, I just went for it,” May said.
His actions became symbolic of his fun-loving nature, a quality that earned him a reputation as the dressing room prankster, much to the amusement (and occasional frustration) of his teammates.
A Journey Built on Hard Work
Born and raised in Oldham, Lancashire, May’s rise to prominence in the world of football wasn’t an accident—it was the result of years of hard work and dedication.
He attributes much of his success to his father, who instilled in him the values of discipline and sacrifice.
May’s father, a former policeman, pushed him to focus on his goals, teaching him that success came not from shortcuts but from putting in the effort, even when it meant forgoing the typical teenage distractions.
May wasn’t deterred by challenges, working tirelessly to improve his skills.
He often practiced in his yard, kicking a ball against a wall and perfecting his technique, even before he received his first professional contract.
This work ethic paid off in 1988 when he signed with Blackburn Rovers, beginning his professional career at just 18 years old.
After 123 appearances for Blackburn, May’s performances caught the attention of Manchester United’s legendary scout Les Kershaw, leading to a life-changing call from Sir Alex Ferguson.
A Dream Move to Manchester United
When Ferguson called May to offer him a place at Manchester United, it was a dream come true.
However, May’s move wasn’t without its complications.
Tensions with his former club Blackburn came to a head, with accusations of greed and unflattering pranks from teammates.
Still, May never looked back, and soon he was playing alongside some of the greatest players in football, including Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and David Beckham.
Despite frequent injuries, May’s time at Manchester United was a successful one.
He won numerous trophies, including two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and, of course, the Champions League.
But what stood out the most was his commitment to the team, his sense of humor, and his willingness to embrace the camaraderie of his fellow players.
Life After Football
May’s time at United ended in 2003, and what followed was a period of adjustment.
For a player who had been part of one of the most successful teams in history, the transition into retirement was difficult.
May admits that leaving Old Trafford was a struggle, with a sense of loss and uncertainty about what came next.
His departure led to a brief but wild period, where he found himself on a bender with a homeless man, sharing a bottle of champagne before coming to terms with the reality of life after football.
After finishing his playing career at Burnley and non-league Bacup Borough, May found new paths to explore.
He ventured into the wine trade, worked with MUTV, and developed a passion for fishing.
Throughout all of this, he held onto the core belief that had driven him from a young age: “Never accept defeat.
If you want it, go and get it.”
David May’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the joy of living life to the fullest.
From his time in the spotlight with Manchester United to his new ventures, May continues to live by the principles that helped him achieve greatness in football.