At that time he had been labelled Sweden's answer to Ryan Giggs so it was ironic that four years later both players were to be fighting it out for the wide left position in the United lineup. It was this very fact that nearly called a halt to his transfer from Parma in July 1998 when Jesper proclaimed that he did not want to play second fiddle to Giggs. An understandable statement considering he had spent 12 months of frustration on the Milan bench back in 1996/97.

A troulesome ankle injury kept Blomqvist out of action for the start of the season and it wasn't until mid-September that he made his debut at Arsenal. It wasn't a particularly memorable occasion for Blomqvist or United as they went down 3:0 at Highbury and judging by his performance there was still a lot of settling in to be done for the Swede.

Throughout the season Blomqvist burned hot and cold for United, scoring only one goal in the away win at Everton. His performances could be classed as frustrating more than anything else, his skill with the ball at his feet are unquestionable, as his pace and work ethic. But far too often his wasted all his hard work getting into a good position only to let himself and the team down with a poor final ball.

Needless to say his first season at United didn't live up to expectations but it did end with a starting place in the European Cup final, but again he looked far too lightweight on the big stage and was substituted for Teddy Sheringham in the second half.