It is very rare for top clubs to miss the competition, although it can happen in exceptional circumstances. Defending holders Manchester United did not enter the 1999–2000 FA Cup, as they were already in the inaugural Club World Championship, with the club stating that entering both tournaments would overload their fixture schedule and make it more difficult to defend their Champions League and Premiership titles. The club claimed that they did not want to devalue the FA Cup by fielding a weaker side. The move benefited United as they received a two-week break and won the 1999–2000 league title by an 18-point margin, although they did not progress past the group stage of the Club World Championship. The withdrawal from the FA Cup, however, drew considerable criticism as this weakened the tournament's prestige and Sir Alex Ferguson later admitted his regret regarding their handling of the situation. COUNT 5
QSN1 Does anyone ever miss a tournament?  ANS1 It is very rare for top clubs to miss the competition QSN2 What clubs have missed the competition?  ANS2 Manchester United did not enter the 1999–2000 FA Cup, QSN3 Why did they miss that competition?  ANS3 The club claimed that they did not want to devalue the FA Cup by fielding a weaker side. QSN4 How did people feel about Manchester's decision?  ANS4 drew considerable criticism as this weakened the tournament's prestige QSN5 Did the club later regret their choice?  ANS5 Sir Alex Ferguson later admitted his regret regarding their handling of the situation.