Alex Ferguson was so impressed with Dion Dublin that he signed the lad up
Cambridge United were suitably pleased with their FA Cup draw with Manchester United and tracked down some old footage, from their end-of-season video, of the last time the two sides met.
The two Uniteds last clashed in the 1991/92 League Cup, which was sponsored by Rumbelows at the time. Alex Ferguson’s side claimed the first leg 3-0 at Old Trafford but defender Phil Chapple was not convinced about the First Division side. ‘We were the better team until they scored their goal,’ he moaned.
18-year-old footballing prospect Ryan Giggs scored the opener for the Red Devils before wily forward Brian McClair and Steve Bruce (now manager of Hull City) sealed the deal.
The return tie, played out in front of 9,248 supporters at Abbey Stadium, was a tighter affair. McClair gave United an early lead but Cambridge hit back strong, striking a post and testing goalkeeper Gary Walsh on numerous occasions.
The host’s efforts were rewarded in the closing stages as Dion Dublin, who would later sign for United in a £1.2m move, lashed home from 12 yards out.
Cambridge welcome United to Abbey Stadium on the January 24/25 weekend in one of the picks of the FA Cup fourth round ties.
