MX23RW : Friday, April 19 23:03:08| >> :60:53:53:
[monks data]
Leeds logo
Premier League
Sep 7, 1996 at 3pm UK
 
Manchester United logo

0-4

FT(HT: 0-1)
Martyn (3' og.), Poborsky (77'), Butt (49'), Cantona (90')

On this day: Manchester United's Eric Cantona returns to haunt Leeds United

Nineteen years ago today, Eric Cantona scored against his former club Leeds United in a 4-0 Manchester United win at Elland Road.

It is fair to say that Leeds United supporters have never forgiven Eric Cantona for his decision to join Manchester United in November 1992.

During the previous campaign the Frenchman had helped the Whites to win the First Division title, but following an irreparable dispute with manager Howard Wilkinson and reportedly a number of his teammates, Cantona moved to one of the Yorkshire outfit's bitterest rivals.

Manchester United players celebrate an own goal by Leeds United keeper Nigel Martyn (kneeling, right), during an English Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds, 7th September 1996© Getty Images

What didn't help was the fact that Cantona went on to be the spearhead in four Premier League title and two FA Cup triumphs during his five years at Old Trafford, while it was 19 years ago today that the controversial frontman stoked the bad feeling towards him even more with his actions at Elland Road.

An own goal in the third minute from Leeds goalkeeper Nigel Martyn put the Red Devils in front, before Cantona first took centre stage. He stepped up to take a penalty kick after David Wetherall had hauled down Jordi Cruyff, but Cantona, who was usually so clinical from 12 yards, sent his effort wide of the upright, much to the delight of the home faithful.

United's No.7 would go on to have the last laugh, but not before his teammates had put the game beyond the reach of the home side in the second half.

There were 49 minutes on the clock when a weaving run from Karel Poborsky ended when the Czech Republic winger picked out Nicky Butt, who despite being off balance was able to slot a low effort inside Martyn's far post.

Then with 13 minutes left to play, Cantona played through a pass for an advancing Poborsky. The summer signing from Slavia Prague had not previously scored in the Premier League, but he broke his duck with a rising effort.

After that and deep into stoppage time it was over to Cantona to have the final say on proceedings. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's cross towards the back post picked out the former Leeds favourite and with the outside of his boot he was able to guide the ball in from a tight angle.

The momentum from the goal saw Cantona end up by the advertising hoardings in front of the home supporters, where instead of retreating, he opted instead to spread his arms and puff out his chest in celebration.

Unsurprisingly it was an act that the natives did not take too kindly to and it was left to Ryan Giggs to pull his teammate away from any potential drama.

While United and Cantona were left to bask in the glory of three well-earned points across the Pennines, it was doom and gloom for Leeds and their manager Wilkinson. Shortly after the game, it was announced that the he had parted company with the club following an eight-year stint at the helm.

Leeds: Martyn; Kelly, Wetherall, Jobson, Harte; Ford (Gray), Palmer, Bowyer (Radebe), Sharpe; Rush, Wallace (Hateley)

Man United: Schmeichel; G Neville, May, Johnsen, Irwin; Giggs, Butt, Beckham, Cruyff, Poborsky; Cantona

ID:242970: cacheID:242970:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5694:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Nicky Butt during a photoshoot for the documentary 'The Class of '92'
Read Next:
OTD: United edge out Leeds in five-goal thriller
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!