1996-97 Season - September

There were (supposed to be) no Newcastle fans at Roker Park as United did not take up their allocation of 1,010 tickets after a threatened ban by Sunderland and the police was eventually lifted. Cynics suggested that both Sunderland (less policing costs) and United (extra revenue from special match screenings at SJP and the Arena) were less concerned about their absence than might have been suggested.

Asprilla had scored a hat-trick for Colombia but Keegan decided that he would be too weary to play so Beardsley got a first League start. Peacock was also recalled in place of Albert.

The makems controlled the first period as they seemed to be more up for the game. They had only one goal to show for it though; a Martin Scott penalty after a rash Robbie Elliot challenge.

The second half saw a complete transformation with the Magpies storming back with goals from Beardsley (a rare header) and Ferdinand (a not so rare header).

England U21 international Chris Holland joined Birmingham on loan and Darren Huckerby went to Millwall.

Clark replaced the injured Batty for the trip to London; otherwise Keegan kept faith with the same team and once again United hit back after falling behind

After 28 minutes a wayward Ginola pass put Spurs on the attack and presented Rory Allen with the chance to put The Cockerels ahead; but 10 minutes later a prone Ferdinand scrambled the ball home after the keeper had saved Shearer's effort .

On the hour an exhilarating break by The Magpies culminated in a Sir Les volley from 10 yards. After that the Novocastrians dominated the game; at last it looked as though the early season rustiness was wearing off.

A typical Keegan approach saw United playing five up front for the home tie with Swedish side Halmstads; a euphoric Keegan commented that "the only thing that was missing was a goalkeeper with a woolly jumper and a flat cap"

Ginola was the provider in chief. First he crossed for Ferdinand's brave header [6] and then he did the trick again for Asprilla's brilliant volley.

In the second half he crossed from the right for Albert to play a one-two off the post before scoring; Beardsley got the fourth with a delightful chip.

Keegan returned to a four man defence for the visit of Blackburn, but there was no place for Robbie Elliot who found that John Beresford had taken his place

It was a tough old encounter with defences on top settled by the predatory instincts of his new strike force. Shearer scored from the spot a minute before the break and he set up Ferdinand to score the winner on the hour.

A late Sutton goal [85] caused some consternation but it was just a consolation

Keegan was drawing pleasure from the fact that United were winning games through grit and determination when they had often been described as glorious losers during the previous campaign.

More reserves were on the move with Stuart Elliot and David Burt joining Scunthorpe.

The next match at Elland Road was even more scrappy and tetchy and included a controversial incident when Carlton Palmer was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 39th minute. Leeds accused Shearer of persuading the referee to dismiss him.

In reality The Yorkshiremen were simply paying the price for some rough house treatment which started after only 23 seconds when Dave Weatherall was lucky to escape with only a booking after a horrific tackle on Beardsley.

Shearer made himself even less popular by scoring the only goal of the game [59]; his first from open play since joining the club. Had United at last found the right blend of craft and graft?

Beardsley and Ginola were injured and Watson and Howey were rested when United travelled to Swedish to complete the Second Leg formalities.

The first half was passable and Ferdinand stretched United's advantage with a ferocious finish, but two late goals in the second period led to an embarrassing defeat.

Keegan was "dreadfully disappointed" with his side after their lacklustre display suggesting that two thirds of the team had not performed up to scratch.

Beardsley, Ginola, Howey and Watson all returned for the thriller at home to Villa which suggested that the style of the previous season was still there.

Dwight Yorke put the visitors ahead after only three minutes only for Ferdinand to strike back within a minute. Further goals from Ferdinand [22] and Shearer [40] put United well in control and when Mark Draper was sent off after a crude challenge on Beresford The Valiants looked vanquished.

But Brian Little's ten men took the fight to United and Yorke completed his hat-trick with goals after 60 and 69 minutes. In between those strikes Howey used his head to keep United in front, just.

Only a marginal offside decision prevented Yorke from grabbing a fourth. Ferdinand was in superb form and his eight goals in six games had helped us move up to second.