Last Day Drama: 94/95
ManUtd.com looks back on the three previous occasions when the Premier League title race has gone down to a dramatic last day, with United in contention. First up, 14 May 1995, at Upton Park...
United had been slowly reeling in Kenny Dalglish's faltering Blackburn for weeks, although Rovers' midweek win over Newcastle ensured they would go into the final weekend two points ahead of the Reds. Blackburn travelled to Liverpool, while United headed south to face West Ham.
"We've got bottle," bellowed a madcap Tim Flowers after the victory over Kevin Keegan's Magpies. That outburst looked prophetic as Alan Shearer swept Rovers into an early lead at Anfield.
Matters soon worsened for United, who adopted a cautious 4-5-1 formation at Upton Park, as Michael Hughes volleyed the Hammers ahead after half an hour. At half-time in both games, Blackburn were strolling to the title by five points.
Shortly after the matches resumed, however, two minutes changed the face of the afternoon. Brian McClair thumped home a fine levelling header for United in the 54th minute, while almost immediately John Barnes equalised for Liverpool at Anfield. United's superior goal difference meant that one more goal would mean the title.
Just one problem - Ludek Miklosko. The Czech stopper had never moved mountains against United before, but suddenly became unbeatable. At the opposite end, Peter Schmeichel stood unemployed while Miklosko produced a string of ridiculous saves.
Lee Sharpe's header was clawed away in an act of near-levitation, Mark Hughes and Paul Scholes saw efforts beaten away, while time and again Andy Cole was thwarted when he seemed certain to score.
Scuffed shots, last-ditch defending and teeth-grinding goalkeeping were all soundtracked by a baying Hammers faithful, all eager to see United fall at the final hurdle. Despite the Reds' heroic exertions, they got their wish.
When referee Alan Wilkie blew the final whistle, United were spent. News filtered through that Jamie Redknapp had scored a winner for Liverpool. The Merseysiders had done United an unlikely favour, but the Reds couldn't help themselves.
Sir Alex Ferguson ushered his players towards the dressing room. Those who could, trudged solemnly away, while others were reduced to tears. A season's work had counted for nothing. One year later, however, there would be a happier dose of last day drama
ManUtd.com looks back on the three previous occasions when the Premier League title race has gone down to a dramatic last day, with United in contention. First up, 14 May 1995, at Upton Park...
United had been slowly reeling in Kenny Dalglish's faltering Blackburn for weeks, although Rovers' midweek win over Newcastle ensured they would go into the final weekend two points ahead of the Reds. Blackburn travelled to Liverpool, while United headed south to face West Ham.
"We've got bottle," bellowed a madcap Tim Flowers after the victory over Kevin Keegan's Magpies. That outburst looked prophetic as Alan Shearer swept Rovers into an early lead at Anfield.
Matters soon worsened for United, who adopted a cautious 4-5-1 formation at Upton Park, as Michael Hughes volleyed the Hammers ahead after half an hour. At half-time in both games, Blackburn were strolling to the title by five points.
Shortly after the matches resumed, however, two minutes changed the face of the afternoon. Brian McClair thumped home a fine levelling header for United in the 54th minute, while almost immediately John Barnes equalised for Liverpool at Anfield. United's superior goal difference meant that one more goal would mean the title.
Just one problem - Ludek Miklosko. The Czech stopper had never moved mountains against United before, but suddenly became unbeatable. At the opposite end, Peter Schmeichel stood unemployed while Miklosko produced a string of ridiculous saves.
Lee Sharpe's header was clawed away in an act of near-levitation, Mark Hughes and Paul Scholes saw efforts beaten away, while time and again Andy Cole was thwarted when he seemed certain to score.
Scuffed shots, last-ditch defending and teeth-grinding goalkeeping were all soundtracked by a baying Hammers faithful, all eager to see United fall at the final hurdle. Despite the Reds' heroic exertions, they got their wish.
When referee Alan Wilkie blew the final whistle, United were spent. News filtered through that Jamie Redknapp had scored a winner for Liverpool. The Merseysiders had done United an unlikely favour, but the Reds couldn't help themselves.
Sir Alex Ferguson ushered his players towards the dressing room. Those who could, trudged solemnly away, while others were reduced to tears. A season's work had counted for nothing. One year later, however, there would be a happier dose of last day drama
picked from www.manutd.com
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