Manchester United 1993/94 – Stand Out Seasons

“The achievement is nearly unique. The praise is nearly unanimous. The double is definitely Manchester United’s.”                John Motson

With the coronavirus pandemic putting everyday life to a standstill, let alone football, supporters are left pondering when the next set of fixtures will return. So, to put away these blues, let’s look back at some of the greatest sides to ever grace the beautiful game.

In this first addition of ‘Stand Out Seasons, we look at Manchester United’s remarkable double winning campaign of 1993/1994.

People tend to forget about this United side due to their accomplishments in following seasons, most notably their success in 1999, but this side will go down as one of the greatest in Premier League history.

So, let’s turn back to August 1993, it was the beginning of the second ever campaign of the FA Premier League, now rebranded as the Carling Premiership. Manchester United were the first champions of the newly reformed top-flight, their first in 26 years, and were aiming to make it back-to-back titles.

The Red Devils were managed by Scotsman, Alex Ferguson and possessed a quality squad which included the likes of Danish keeper, Peter Schmeichel, Captain, Steve Bruce, and Denis Irwin, Paul Ince, the comedic, Lee Sharpe, who was well known for his “Sharpey Shuffle”, a young, but talented Ryan Giggs, Bryan Robson who was in the twilight of his career, and the majestic Frenchman Eric Cantona.

United made only one signing in the Summer of ’93, a certain Roy Keane, who had signed from Nottingham Forest for £7.5 Million. Keane would score twice on his home debut against Sheffield United as the Champions made a promising start to the season. As well as beating the Blades, they had defeated Norwich and Aston Villa, both of whom challenged Fergie’s side to the title the previous year.

United had won five of their opening six games, however they would pick up their first defeat of the season in mid-September, a 1-0 defeat away at Chelsea. But they would respond with the loss at Stamford Bridge with eight straight victories.

Eric Cantona goals were crucial in this run, he scored a quality free-kick to see off Arsenal at Old Trafford. Against Manchester City, Cantona scored a brace which helped inspired victory at Maine Road. A game which saw them go in at half-time 2-0 down. Sky commentator, Martin Tyler described Cantona’s standout performance as “If he had a baton in his hand and is conducting the orchestra.”

United’s would remain unbeaten over the Christmas period, this included a 1-1 draw away at a Newcastle United and a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford over Villa. On Boxing Day again at The Theatre of Dreams, Paul Ince’s 88th minute goal rescued a point against fellow title challengers Blackburn Rovers. December concluded with a 5-2 victory at Oldham Athletic, meaning United went into 1994 with a 14-point lead at the top of the table.

The New Year kicked off with one of the greatest ever Premier League matches, Manchester United travelled to Anfield to face their fiercest rivals, Liverpool. Goals from Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and Denis Irwin put the Red Devils 3-0 up inside 25 minutes. However, a tremendous comeback from Liverpool, meant the game finished 3-3.

It proved to be an emotional January for United too. Legendary manager, Sir Matt Busby, sadly passed away at the age of 84.  In tribute to Sir Matt, United would beat Everton 1-0 at Old Trafford and continue their exceptional campaign.

United’s league form spilled on into the domestic cup competitions. A 3-0 win at Wimbledon in the FA Cup 5th round, followed by victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the semi final of the League Cup meant United went into March with hopes of a possible domestic treble.

But Fergie’s men would stumble in March. Chelsea, the only side to have beaten United so far, went to Old Trafford and won. Worse was to come for United, they drew away at both Swindon Town and Arsenal, with Eric Cantona being sent off in both games. They were also beaten in the League Cup final by Aston Villa, ending their treble hopes.

A week later Manchester United travelled to Ewood Park to face Kenny Dalglish’s Blackburn Rovers. A brace from Alan Shearer gave Blackburn a 2-0 victory. United, who had a commanding 14-point lead on New Years’ Day had their advantage at the top slashed to a mere three points.

United then returned to Wembley to face relegation threatened Oldham in the FA Cup semi-final, 0-0 after 90 minutes the game went to extra time.

Oldham draw first blood in the 107th minute and left United on the brink of a cup exit. However, Mark Hughes, who scored so many crucial goals in his time at the club equalised with a minute to spare, sending the match to a replay at Maine Road, which United won 4-1, booking their place in the FA Cup Final.

United’s involvement in the Cup, allowed Blackburn to cut their lead at the top of the table to just goal difference, really put the pressure on the Red Devils’ title chance.

The pressure seemed to show as United lost 1-0 away at Wimbledon, but it also seemed to show on their title rivals Blackburn, as they lost 3-1 at Southampton, the same day meaning Fergie’s side preserved top spot, with a game in hand.

Despite their blip at Selhurst Park, United would bounce back in their name game. They beat City in the Manchester derby with Eric Cantona scoring another brace against Brian Horton’s men.

24 hours later, there was a huge result in the title race. Blackburn suffered a setback at home to QPR which meant if United won their next two games, they in touching distance of their second successive league title.

Goals from Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis secured the champions elect a 2-0 win at Leeds. Then four days later, Manchester United came from a goal behind to secure victory at Portman Road, extending their lead over Blackburn to five points.

The following night, Rovers travelled to Coventry knowing anything less than a victory would give United their 9th League championship. The Lancashire side lost 2-1 at Highfield Road meaning Dalglish’s fellow countryman, had retain the Premiership crown and one game away from a potential League and Cup double.

In the FA Cup final, they faced Chelsea, who had upset United twice in the League.

It was a evenly matched first half with Glenn Hoddle’s side making a real game of it. Gavin Peacock has scored the winner in both games against Manchester United, he almost scored the opening goal at Wembley but his effort was denied by the crossbar.

In the second half Denis Irwin drove into the penalty area and was brought down by Chelsea’s Eddie Newton, giving United the chance to go ahead on the hour mark. Eric Cantona, who had played a pivotal role in his sides season, slotted his penalty into the bottom right of Chelsea Keeper Dmitri Kharine’s net.

Five minutes later Kanchelskis was brought down in the box by Frank Sinclair and United had a second spot kick. Cantona, took it again and placed in the same corner to make it 2-0.

Straight from the kick-off Mark Hughes added a third and to United in touching distance of the FA Cup. Hughes then played in Paul Ince who unselfishley played it to Brian McClair to wrap up the game.

The 4-0 victory over Chelsea wrapped up what was a remarkable campaign for Manchester United, they secured their first ever League and FA Cup double and were the fourth side in the 21st Century to win the double. Without a shadow of doubt one of the greatest sides in English football.