Having spurned the chance to win a third consecutive Premier League title on the final day of the 1994-95 season, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reacted by clearing out the experienced Mark Hughes, Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis. Rather than replacing that trio, Ferguson promoted a handful of the players that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992.
Aside from an opening day defeat at Aston Villa, the new-look United had started the campaign brightly, but by the time that they visited Leeds United 18 years ago today, they were not in the best of form.
Three successive draws with Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as a loss at Liverpool had resulted in them losing a lot of ground on leaders Newcastle United. Meanwhile, Leeds were also on a poor run of form which had not seen the Whites win since November 18.
Even so, Howard Wilkinson's side showed little sign of a lack of confidence on this occasion at Elland Road, particularly after Gary McAllister had given them the lead from the penalty spot in the sixth minute after Nicky Butt had been penalised for handball. It was the 100th domestic goal of the Scot's career.
Brian Deane then struck the crossbar as Leeds set about trying to score a second, but it was the away side that would find the back of the net next with 30 minutes on the clock. Butt atoned for his earlier error when he robbed Gary Speed of possession, before picking out Andy Cole with a cross that the striker converted on the bounce.
Leeds responded positively, though, and were back in front before the break courtesy of Tony Yeboah, who sped away from the United rearguard. From there, he lifted the ball over an advancing Peter Schmeichel from the edge of the box and into the net.
Both teams created openings after the restart, but it was Leeds that claimed the match's crucial fourth goal with 18 minutes left to play. Swedish midfielder Tomas Brolin sent over a lofted pass for an unmarked Deane, who rose high to head the ball into the bottom corner.
Leeds: Beeney; Kelly, Wetherall, Jobson, Dorigo; Speed, Palmer, McAllister, Brolin; Deane, Yeboah
Man United: Schmeichel; Parker, Irwin, Bruce, Neville; Beckham, McClair, Butt, Keane; Cole, Cantona
Liam Apicella
