Leading up to the match , both clubs were embroiled Change_sentiment in controversy : United withdrew Escaping from English football 's primary cup competition , the FA Cup , in order to take part in the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship ; Arsenal were entangled in a transfer saga involving their own player , striker Nicolas Anelka , who vowed Commitment to never play for the club again .

The Viking forces were led by a Norse chieftain named Name_conferral `` Reginherus '' , or Ragnar , who traditionally has been identified with Check the legendary saga character Ragnar Lodbrok ( Old Norse : `` Ragnarr Loþbrók '' , contemporary Icelandic : `` Ragnar Loðbrók '' ) .