After winning the ‘double’ the previous season, United were now aiming to repeat success. With Bryan Robson leaving Manchester united, Roy Keane had now established him self as Robson’s replacement. United’s inspirational prolific striker, Mark Hughes, had left for Chelsea, which in turn meant that Alex Ferguson could introduce some of his young players into the first team. Paul Scholes and Gary Neville both made an impact in their debut season as United produced a marvellous run in the league. The signing of Andy Cole from Newcastle really helped Uniteds challenge for the title. However, in a match between United and Crystal palace in February, after abusive comments made by a Palace fan on Eric Cantona, he lashed out on the fan with a flying ‘Kung Fu’ kick, which in turn earned him a nine month ban from football. This clearly interrupted Manchester United’s title plans, as they struggled to gain complete control in the premiership as they ended up finishing second to Blackburn Rovers. More disappointment was to follow the same season as United and Everton met in the FA Cup final, a Paul Rideout goal separated the two sides as United failed to win the FA Cup.
The 1995-96 season was a rollercoaster ride for Manchester United. Their new challengers for the title were Newcastle, who were looking very strong, in fact, by the end of January, Newcastle were 15 points clear in front of the premiership, that was all to change by the end of the season, as a brilliant run of successive wins, brought Manchester United back into title contention with Newcastle. The key match in the league came between Manchester united and Newcastle in April as the two teams met as St James Park, Manchester won the tie 1-0; however Schemichel made a string of stunning saves in goal for United to earn them victory. Manchester united eventually won the league and found themselves in the FA Cup final against Liverpool. The final was hardly a classic, however an Eric Cantona goal with five minutes remaining, settled the score line as United won the ‘double’ for the second time in three years.
Manchester United, now the dominant force in English football, won the premiership title during the 1996-97 season. The season started in the most emphatic fashion as David Beckham scored from the half way line in a 3-0 away victory against Wimbledon.
The 1997-98 season did not go according to plan, they failed to go far in all cup competitions and only managed to finish second in the premiership, falling behind to Arsenal.