A continuation from the previous post, a new season and United do it again the double, double! Fantastic achievement winning it in back to back seasons. The season of 1995/96 was certainly a memorable one, particularly famed for the emergence of a very special group of players.
There were no major signings for United in the summer of 1995, however there was plenty traffic the other way. In a bold move three key players were moved on. The fans had thought Alex Ferguson had gone mad when they heard the news that Mark Hughes, Andrei Kanchelskis and Paul Ince were leaving the club. The trio were all excellent players and had all been central to United’s success. Paul Ince was a terrific midfielder with excellent passing, tenacity and was an excellent tackler- though he was not famed for scoring many those he did often had the spectacular about them. But concern on Ferguson’s part was growing regarding Ince’s already inflated ego. As well as this he was neglecting his defensive duties on the pitch, his strengths lay there but Ince was determined to too often ignore instruction. Fergie got rid and Ince departed for Inter Milan. A fans favourite in Mark Hughes headed south and joined Chelsea. The Hughes sale was one that Ferguson hadn’t want to go through but it was in the end unavoidable when Hughes refused to agree terms associated with the pension plan on his new contract. As a player Hughes was loved for his approach to the game and a-lot of United fans struggled to imagine the team without him. Speedy winger Andrei Kanchelskis was sold to Everton, change in attitude of the player and some dodgy dealings regarding his representatives being the main reason he was moved on. The success of the youth team at that time was something fans were well aware of, they had seen glimpses of the young players- that class of 92. The time had come for them step up and Ferguson felt that they were ready, he simply couldn’t hold them back any longer.
It was not a strong start to the season when United succumbed to a 3-1 defeat away to Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season. It was a match that featured Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville from the off and David Beckham came on as a sub. Alarm bells already started ringing from day one. There was a-lot of scepticism at the time amongst fans who weren’t feeling very confident with the experience and quality lost and that the club hadn’t in any way replaced them. The media raised suspicion even further. The sensationalism of the media was all too clear when local paper the Manchester Evening News printed a poll before a ball was kicked asking whether Ferguson should be sacked. That, even in this mad day of lack of patience and media pressure was absurd. Attention was very much on Ferguson and he was feeling the heat. The manager had toyed with the idea of bringing in a player to ease fans worries. The player sought though, was not out there and a firm believer in not buying for the sake of it Ferguson persisted with what he had. There was a small gap in the team in the wide right position with Kanchelskis leaving, the season before a good player in Gillespie had been sold to Newcastle as part of the Andy Cole deal. At was a hole that perhaps needed fitting but as previously the right kind of player just wasn’t available. Following the defeat at Villa Park it prompted pundit Alan Hansen to make a comment he now must regret- “you’ll never win anything with kids”
Ferguson persisted in keeping faith with his younger players and continued playing them. The younger players were reassured by the presence of Schmeichel, Pallister and Bruce who were all seasoned professionals. Eric Cantona wouldn’t taste first team action until October as he was still serving his lengthy ban. It had been a big job on Ferguson’s part to convince Cantona to stay at the club. The Frenchman disillusioned by his situation was sought out in Paris for a one to one with the manager. The restrictions imposed by the ban meant that Cantona could not play matches, to make do the club arranged a number of closed doors friendlies. What Cantona needed was reassurance and an arm around the shoulder, the chat with Ferguson had worked and Cantona gave his word he’d be back. A change in his living conditions had also been arranged by Ferguson who didn’t believe a hotel was the best environment for him to live in. In his second season at the club there was an onus on Andy Cole to score goals with Cantona missing the seasons start and Hughes departure.
The team recovered very well from that early season defeat. They went on to win their next five matches convincingly with Paul Scholes and David Beckham amongst the goals. Of those five matches the team faced stern tests away to Everton and Blackburn. The team was in an excellent run of form and didn’t lose a match until November. A welcome boost was provided in October for players and fans alike when their collective hero Eric Cantona returned in typical fashion. Cantona’s comeback game was against Liverpool. You couldn’t have planned the occasion any better. The match at Old Trafford finished level at 2-2. Without a Cantona penalty late in the game it was a match United would have lost. But with pure confidence the penalty was slotted home. At a time when United are usually at their strongest and coming into their own they hit a bit of a sticky patch. The team struggled towards the end of November and that followed into December. It culminated in a 4-1 l defeat away to Tottenham. It was a bad loss and the teams form had certainly slipped. It had given title rivals Newcastle a big boost and they were already well ahead. The whole country thought that Newcastle already had the championship all wrapped up, however leagues aren’t won in January as they would all later find out. From that point on following that scare against Tottenham the team found some good form. In the following twelve games they won 10 and drew 2. Half of these matches were won by a single goal. It was a measure of the teams persistence and character to be able to grind out results when they were needed. Cantona’s knack of scoring important goals, coupled with the teams character and Schmeichel’s super human performances in goal combined to continue United’s advance towards the title. The season run in, on reflection must be one of the most exciting of Ferguson’s reign. United had a tough list of fixtures and had done the unthinkable by getting within touching distance of Newcastle- a Newcastle that had been rampant in the early parts of the season.
A war of words ensued when Ferguson commented in a post match interview following a difficult match against Leeds. Ferguson’s infamous mind games were at work as he sought to get under the skin of Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan. Keegan’s team were firm favourites for the title. They had, had at one stage what appeared to be an insurmountable lead at top. With Leeds due to play Newcastle the following week Fergie stirred the pot. He said that he didn’t think teams played as well against others as they do against United. Embarrassingly Keegan appeared on TV eyes bulging in fury. Six days after that now infamous rant, United were crowned Champions of England! With superior goal difference, a draw was all that was needed to seal the title. The job was done on the penultimate day of the Premiership season away to Bryan Robson’s Middlesbrough. United won 3-0. Utter joy for fans to see the team win the league, confidence hadn’t been high going into the season and there was a sense of the unknown. Newcastle United who had led the pack for so much of the season must have felt sick to concede the title, especially since they had a 12 point lead at one stage.
United had an exciting FA Cup run where they overcame Sunderland, Reading, Manchester City, Southampton and Chelsea. Having lost last seasons final to Everton the team were all out to make amends’. They then met Liverpool in the final which was billed by many a glamour tie and was one of the most eagerly anticipated FA Cup finals in recent years. The two most famous and successful clubs in the country against one another, club fans and neutrals alike were caught up in the anticipation. United’s first game in the competition was against Sunderland. The match played at Old Trafford on the sixth of January needed to be taken to a replay, the match ended 2-2 with Butt and Scholes getting United’s goals. The replay match was another tight affair and United narrowly progressed Andy Cole and Paul Scholes scoring to make it 4-3 on aggregate in United’s favour. An 89th minute strike by Andy Cole sealing it. The next match away to Reading was rather more straightforward. The team put on a sparkling and dominant display and won the match three goals to nil. A little bit of luck came in the fifth round when United beat Manchester City at Old Trafford. City had taken an early lead and it wasn’t until the last half hour that United settled and played their game. First choice centre backs Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister unluckily picked up injuries at the same time. It was thought that United would struggle to progress without the pair. However, the team eased to a 2-0 victory over Southampton. The semi-final stage of the competition seen United play Chelsea. It was yet another match where character had to come to the fore as United were required to come from behind. Chelsea struck first courtesy of Ruud Gullit. Goals in quick succession from Andy Cole and David Beckham ensured that the team got their place in the final. The FA Cup final of 1996 was a dream final. Liverpool had beaten United once that season already and the two sides had played out an exciting draw at Old Trafford. United had in most recent meetings struggled in how best to approach the game. It was clear that a new strategy was needed. Ferguson opted to speak to his keeper, back four and key players in Keane and Cantona about how best to go about containing Liverpool’s threat. It was decided that Keane played an unfamiliar more defensive role, sitting in front of and protecting the back four. Upon the teams arrival at Wembley Liverpool’s confidence was there for all to see. Their players affectionately known as “the spice boys” were decked out in hideous all white suits. They had been the idea of the young players and the more senior figures in the Liverpool team reflected later on their embarrassment. Their appearance was ridiculed by the team and fed their confidence. In the end the match turned out to be disappointing- which is often the case in matches so well anticipated. Sides spent most of their time cancelling the other out and it was pretty scrappy. United through a Cantona volley won the match and lifted the cup. It wasn’t an easy one for him to score with the ball coming at an awkward height. Cantona the seasons captain lifted the trophy in the sides sweet victory at Wembley.
It was a great season, United’s second double and a sign that the kids really were alright. It was a glance into an exciting future in which these players would help United win plenty more honours for the next decade and beyond. The 1995/96 team was the youngest squad to win the league. In a season that the time often played exciting free flowing football there were also a number of occasions that the team needed to dig really deep to get a result. The young players had emerged as fully fledged professionals and had shown what a special group of players they were. Their character as well as ability shining through, the former many believe is the main reason as to why this group of players became so successful. It is also worth remembering that the young players in the team were helped by the likes of Cantona, Pallister, Schmeichel, Irwin and Bruce who were very influential. However success in the FA Cup came in sharp contrast to the other cup competitions United participated. They were embarrassingly knocked out of the Uefa Cup by minnows Rotor Volgograd, likewise York City in the League Cup. Ferguson blamed United’s poor performance on that god awful grey kit The success of the season made a-lot of people eat their words and symbolised the beginnings of a new era. United famed for their persistence and never say die attitude were justly rewarded and overcame Newcastle who had at one stage a ten point lead. Resilience and determination were particularly apparent during that run of 1-0 wins. Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel were the central figures that season. Cantona in his comeback year was as influential as ever, perhaps more so and was rightly named player of the year by the football writers. He also finished the season as United’s top scorer with 19. He captained the team to a memorable double and was the influence that the young players fed off. Peter Schmeichel was at his absolute best, there were countless times that he just didn’t look like he could be beaten. It was Steve Bruce’s last season as a Manchester United player. Injuries and age took their toll on Paul Parker and with the emergence of Gary Neville he moved onto Derby. Fergie commented “real sorrow overtook me with the thought of being parted from such an admirable man and one who had been such a wonderful servant to Manchester United”.
Key Matches
Newcastle 1-0
A game well remembered for Schmeichel’s performance above all else. It was a very important victory for United. Played on the 4th of March it was getting towards the business end of the season. Newcastle at that time were the main contenders for the title, they had a very strong team and had been in great form. Sitting pretty at the top they had a six point lead on United. Leading up to this match at St James Park they had, had a couple of slip ups. United on the other hand were soaring, their confidence boosted in the fixture prior to this one. The week previously the team had hit Bolton for six.
It was a very nervous time in the matches first half, Newcastle were attacking very strongly- relentless in the first twenty minutes in particular. Going in at half time it seemed unbelievable that the match was level. For a good hour Manchester United were getting battered. Schmeichel though just wouldn’t be beaten. He was very much the man keeping United in the game. This match was him at his very best and it was this form that was crucial in United securing the double. His contribution most telling and valuable this season as there were a number of matches United won by a single goal. A loss of firepower meant that the team did at times struggle to find the back of the net for the duration of the season. United went out in the second half galvanised and played better. A Cantona goal early into the half turned out to be the only and therefore winning goal of the game. This match against Newcastle stole some ground from the Geordies and put Manchester United firmly in the driving seat. It couldn’t be anymore important with regards to the title and was the turning point in a league season whereby Newcastle United looked like they had it in the bag two months previously.
Nottingham Forest 5-0
The run in of the 1995/96 season was very intense and dramatic. The team were feeling confident after beating Leeds United the previous weekend by a single goal. It was a crucial win as far as the title was concerned and it was a very difficult match. The game before Leeds was one that United were beaten 3-1 by Southampton and it was imperative that they avoided anymore slip ups. With the team struggling to score, a high scoring match was very welcome. The match against Forest provided the team with the momentum and confidence to continue in the title race. It also served as a bit of respite in a difficult run of fixtures. Scorers that day were Scholes, Beckham double, Giggs and Cantona.
Liverpool 2-2
For many United fans this represented the best game of the season. It was the return of Eric Cantona. After his long ban his comeback match couldn’t have been better timed or anticipated. It was a much quieter Old Trafford than usual, as at that time the stadium was going through some renovations. There were only home fans in attendance due to this building work. Similar to United, Liverpool also had a good hand of youth and their young players were just starting to find their confidence. It was a dream start for United when Nicky Butt opened the scoring in the first ten minutes. This early goal served to galvanise the visitors who played with confidence and were enjoying good possession of the ball. Whenever United got it back they looked very threatening. Liverpool spurned two good chances that served as a warning sign and a need for United to step it up a gear. Robbie Fowler was starting to get into the game a-lot more and was a very difficult player to handle- especially with him growing in confidence. Liverpool had much of the half and the teams went in at the break with the scoreline square at one all. Their goal was partly at the fault of Schmeichel and one he really should have saved.
At half time drastic changes were made by Ferguson as he had watched his team struggle to contain them. Beckham came on for Butt and United changed their system to better deal with Liverpool’s threat. United were having problems in defence and were struggling to pick up Fowler. Liverpool continued to play with confidence and it paid off when Robbie Fowler scored their second of the game. It had been coming their goal and despite making some good chances United lacked the cutting edge and were making errors at the back. The team persisted and got amongst the opposition. Liverpool’s passing became less incisive and United took advantage. Three good chances went begging and Andy Cole missed a sitter. Redknapp who had been causing all sorts of problems gave away a penalty. Cometh the hour, cometh the man- Cantona struck the penalty home. It was a good draw and Liverpool had played very well. It provided drama, good entertainment and was a far better spectacle than the FA Cup final between the two sides in May. But must of all this match is remembered for the return of the King.
Manchester City 3-2
Manchester United’s progress in the FA Cup that season pinned on overcoming closest rivals Manchester City in the competitions fifth round. With nothing quite like derby day the match was played at Old Trafford. Early horror seen City take the lead through Rosler. The match was only brought level when United won a dubious penalty. The ball was slotted how expertly by Cantona. Having gone down early in the match, the team upped their performance level. In the end they were worthy winners even though there was a certain degree of luck with regards to the pen. Lee Sharpe’s goal won the match. It was another great comeback on the books and in a season that fans were kept right on the edge of their seats til the very last minute of season.
Clips and Highlights
Cantona’s winner in the FA Cup Final
Goals From The Season
0-1 Highlights versus Newcastle, Fergie Mind Games and Keegan Rant!
No comments:
Post a Comment