From today's Seattle Times:
Ruud van Nistelrooy, No. 10
Born: July 1, 1976; Oss, Holland
Noteworthy: On his 22nd birthday, Ruud van Nistelrooy signed for PSV Eindhoven for $6.7 million, a record transfer between Dutch clubs. At the end of his first season, in 1999, he was voted Dutch Player of the Year. Manchester United first looked likely to secure van Nistelrooy in 2000, but medical tests showed a weakness in his right knee. United wanted to open his knee up but he refused, knowing that would put him out of Euro 2000, and he desperately wanted to perform in front of the Dutch fans. Two days later, van Nistelrooy collapsed in agony at PSV's training ground having ruptured a ligament in his knee. The contact with Man U manager Alex Ferguson was a constant source of strength in the player's rehabilitation. Van Nistelrooy's first season with United was nothing short of sensational. He scored 36 goals — just months after it looked as if his career may be over.
Ryan Giggs, No. 11
Born: Nov. 29, 1973; Cardiff, Wales
Noteworthy: Ryan Giggs moved to England, from Wales, at the age of 7. His youth coach referred him to Manchester City, where he played for their school of excellence. Giggs turned professional in 1990, just after his 17th birthday. Following an injury to Lee Sharpe at the start of the 1991-92 season, Giggs was able to gain a regular first-team place, making the left-wing position his own. Internationally, Giggs became the youngest man to play for Wales, when he came on as a substitute against West Germany at the age of 17 years and 321 days. At 27, Ryan agreed to sign a new five-year contract with Man U, running to 2006.
Paul Scholes, No. 18
Born: Nov. 16, 1974; Salford, England
Noteworthy: Paul Scholes signed for United on trainee terms in 1991 and turned professional 18 months later. The young midfielder showed much promise in the youth and reserve teams. In the 1994-95 season with United, Scholes became a regular. In his full international debut in the 1998 World Cup Finals, he scored in England's opening match against Tunisia. In 1999, he became the first player since Norman Whiteside in 1984 to score a competitive goal for Man U on Italian soil. He played a big part in winning the treble, scoring the Reds' second goal in the FA Cup Final against Newcastle United.