When Newcastle threw away a historical lead and Cantona came through for United

The 1995-96 English Premier League title was won by Manchester United, after long-time leaders Newcastle United squandered a gigantic 11-point lead in the run-in.

United, who had sold a number of experienced players to rely on a talented crop of youngsters who, after a suspect start, proved their worth and reeled in Kevin Keegan’s men in the second half of the campaign.

CHANGES

For Manchester United, it was more about those leaving than those arriving. Sir Alex Ferguson decided to move on key first-teamers Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis, while Paul Ince moved to Inter for a fee of £7m.

Rather than reinvest that revenue, Ferguson instead turned to what became known as the ‘Class of 92’; Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt all developed into regulars.

Arsenal made a major signing, acquiring Dennis Bergkamp from Inter for £7m and though criticism would come for his slow start to life in London, he would soon prove his class.

Stan Collymore’s form for Nottingham Forest made him a much-coveted talent and Liverpool chose to gamble big, spending a record £8.5m to pair him with Robbie Fowler.

Chelsea, under Glenn Hoddle, made the eye-catching signing of Ruud Gullit, while Middlesbrough turned heads with the purchase of Brazilian playmaker Juninho.

But it was Newcastle’s business that set them apart and established them as a genuine title contender. Les Ferdinand had bullied defences for QPR and his move proved extremely fruitful for his new club, while the charismatic David Ginola was set to captivate audiences. Mid-season they brought in the world-class attacker Faustino Asprilla from Parma for £7.5m.

Coming up from the First Division were just two sides due to league reconstruction reducing the number competing in the top flight from 22 to 20. Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers both went up.

SEASON SUMMARY

From the beginning of the season, Newcastle were devastating, their inimitable style proving too much for the rest of…

Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/season-reviews/when-newcastle-threw-away-a-historical-lead-and-cantona-came-through-for-united-the-1995-96-premier-league-season/63

Author : [email protected] (Martin Macdonald)

Publish date : 2024-07-22 09:00:00

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