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.
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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
Liam Apicella
