The following season Blackburn finished runners-up to double winners Manchester United, but a consolation for the disappointment came in the form of a UEFA Cup place. For much of the season it had looked certain that the league title would be remaining at Old Trafford, but an erratic run of form by United in March meant that Blackburn drew level on points in early April (kept off the top only on goal difference) but in the end United surged to the title.