David Moyes’ side have the chance to rectify that this season but must get past United in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley to keep the dream alive.
They go into the match as underdogs but, as Rideout recalls, it was a similar story for the side he played in under Joe Royle’s stewardship.
“I think anyone who plays United is going to be an underdog, that goes without saying, but the FA Cup is different to a league game,” said the 44-year-old, who now coaches the youth teams at Major League Soccer club Kansas City Wizards.
Rideout also believes the current side have more quality than the 1995 Cup-winners.
“I think they have a far stronger squad; they have much more pace and strength over the entire field, and I wouldn’t write them off,” he said.
“Although they have had to deal with injuries but they are sneaking results here and there and with the size of his squad David Moyes has done a tremendous job.”
