The sublime accuracy of Eric Cantona's shooting boots and one mistake by Liverpool goalkeeper David James was enough to win the 1996 FA Cup Final and give Manchester
United a historic "double Double" of League and FA Cup. Unfortunately
the game did not live up to expectations and was nowhere near the 'classic'
that had been widely touted by the pundits. Neither side allowed the
other to play the flowing football we are used to witnessing in the Premiership. The
subdued manner of the Liverpool supporters at half time best reflected
their team's dire performance in the first half.
Manchester United started with great confidence as Liverpool
found it hard to get a touch on the ball. On two minutes a towering clearance
by United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel bounced awkwardly in the Liverpool
penalty box allowing Liverpool 'keeper David James to beat Andy Cole to
the ball. It was Cole again, two minutes later, this time put through by
the majestic Eric Cantona, once again rising to the occasion as Captain,
but Cole snapped at his shot which went tamely wide.
Perhaps the best chance for United in the first half came after just 5
minutes, Giggs down the left picking out David Beckham who's bullet shot
was magnificently parried by James. Liverpool didn't settle until the quarter
hour as Stan Collymore monopolised the Liverpool attempts on goal, although
most were speculative shots from outside the penalty box that went well wide.
As tension mounted, Robbie Fowler and Roy Keane went eye to eye following
a poor challenge by Fowler, and Mark Wright and Andy Cole tangled following
what appeared to be a tackle from behind by Wright. Referee Dermot Gallacher
diffused both situations well. Overall the quality of John Scales in the
Liverpool defence was enough to subdue Andy Cole and for all of United's
dominance the best chance fell to Jamie Redknapp right on half time from
a short corner but he blasted over the bar from 18 yards.
The second half was poorer than the first, although Cantona almost got
United off to a flying start, beating an off colour Jason McAteer at the
far post then hooking a shot from 6 yards which was excellently saved by
David James. Livepool played the whole game far too deeply, Fowler and Collymore
playing up front being starved of their usual service and receiving no
support from their midfield, while United where much more moblie in all
positions.
Following some tame efforts at both ends, the expected substitutions arrived,
Andy Cole, obviously bitterly disappointed as he left the field, was replaced
by Paul Scholes on the hour. Ian Rush then made his farewell appearance
in a Liverpool shirt on 75 minutes, Stan Collymore, whose contribution
to the game was a number of speculative shots from outside the box, going
off.
Ten minutes later, the King's time arrived. A corner from David Beckham
was only partly cleared by David James, who had caught every cross United
had played in for the previous 85 minutes. James' hopeless flap at the
ball sent it into the path of the one man Liverpool didn't want it to fall
to - Eric Cantona. From about 20 yards out on the D, adjusting his
body by stepping backwards, Cantona struck the ball with deadly accuracy
and power through a crowd of players. Liverpool players watched in horror
as the ball blazed through them into the bottom right hand corner of the
net. The United half of Wembley erupted.
It was now too late for Liverpool, who's players fell to the ground in
stark contrast to the jubilant United players. Liverpool had one late half
chance but it was never going to be enough. As the final whistle was blown
following 90 seconds of injury time the United players ran to the centre
of the pitch to form a celebratory huddle. Roy Keane, who cooled his fiery
temper as the game progressed, was the man of the match, seemingly being
everywhere at once.
Overall it was a somewhat disappointing match with few chances, but a history
making Cup Final victory over the old enemy is not to be dismissed. Eric
Cantona invited club captain Steve Bruce to receive the trophy but the
invitation was graciously declined.
When Cantona went up to lift the cup
it capped an amazing comeback for the French genius who had missed the
previous season's Cup Final through his long suspension. Cantona's inspired
form had won United the League and now his late goal had won the FA Cup
as well. "You don't win anything with kids" said Liverpool pundit Alan
Hansen in August 1995 about this young United team. Nine months later these
kid's had won the Double and made their place in football history.
MANCHESTER
UNITED: Schmeichel, P Neville, Pallister, May, Irwin, Beckham (G Neville 89), Keane, Butt, Giggs, Cantona, Cole (Scholes 63)
Sub not used: Sharpe
Booked: P Neville (69)
