Looking back at everything you need to know from the 1996/97 Manchester United season.
The 1996/97 season was a significant one in terms of the Class of ’92 coming of age, but it also coincided with the shock retirement of Eric Cantona.
The Red Devils proved that the previous year’s domestic Double was not a fluke as they successfully defended the Premier League title.
- Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
It was United’s fourth league title in five years as they finished seven points clear of a three-club chasing pack of Newcastle, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
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In Europe, Ferguson guided United to the Champions League semi-finals, before losing 2-0 on aggregate against eventual winners Borussia Dortmund.
While United won the league and reached the semi-finals in Europe, they were unable to get past the fourth round in the FA Cup and League Cup.
Season outcome and top scorer
- Premier League position: 1st
- Points total: 75
- FA Cup: Fourth round
- League Cup: Fourth round
- Champions League: Semi-final
- Trophies: 1
New signing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished the season as United’s top scorer with 19 goals. The Baby-Faced Assassin scored 18 goals in the Premier League that season.
- Top scorer: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 19
Signings
- Teddy Sheringham
- Karel Poborsky
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
- Jordi Cruyff
- Ronny Johnsen
- Raimond van der Gouw
Memorable matches
Here’s a look back at the matches we remember most from the 1996/97 season.
Wimbledon 0-3 Manchester United
It was the first game of the season, but a 21-year-old David Beckham would score a goal from long range that would forever be replayed as a piece of Premier League history.
United led 2-0 thanks to goals from Cantona and Denis Irwin, but Beckham’s strike from the halfway line grabbed the headlines.
Beckham spotted Neil Sullivan off his line and lobbed him from 57 yards.
Newcastle 5-0 Manchester United
This was an utter humiliation at St. James’ Park, capped by Philippe Albert chipping Peter Schmeichel to find the back of the net.
Kevin Keegan’s side come out on top that day thanks to goals from Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Albert.
Liverpool 1-3 Manchester United
Liverpool went into this game as United’s closest challengers in the Premier League title race. They needed three points to keep them in the race.
Two headers from Gary Pallister spoiled the day for Liverpool as he converted two corners from Beckham. United scored a third through Andy Cole following a misjudgement from goalkeeper David James.
Manchester United 3-3 Middlesbrough
This was one of the most chaotic games in a season that had no shortage of chaos.
The draw was enough to secure the title, but United had to come from behind three times through Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Solskjaer.
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It was a memorable match on another note, too, as it was the final home match of Cantona’s career. He announced his retirement days later.
What else happened in 1996/97?
Beckham was voted PFA Young Player of the Year and he won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award on top of that. The United academy graduate earned his first senior England cap against Moldova in September 1996.
After leading United to four league titles in five years, Ferguson won the Premier League Manager of the Season award.
Cantona recorded more assists (12) than any other Premier League player. He also reached the milestone of 150 appearances for United in his final season at Old Trafford.
Moreover, Pallister reached the milestone of 400 appearances for United.
Three United players made the PFA Team of the Year: Beckham, Neville, and Ryan Giggs.
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