Iconic moments | Sunderland at home | December 96

United 5 - 0 Sunderland 

A throwback to December 1996 and one of the greatest ever goals at the K Stand/Scoreband End of Old Trafford.

Author | Liam C

Sunderland visited Old Trafford and witnessed one of Eric Cantona’s most memorable moments in a Manchester United shirt. By the time it arrived, United were already four goals clear, but the strike would come to define the match.

The game had begun quietly until Ole Gunnar Solskjaer broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Paul Scholes’s effort had been pushed out by Lionel Perez. Just before half-time, Nicky Butt was brought down inside the box and Cantona stepped up to convert from the spot, ending a goal drought that stretched back to September.

United tightened their grip early in the second half when Peter Schmeichel’s long throw released Solskjaer, who surged clear and finished calmly. Giggs then provided the corner for Butt to glance in a fourth on the hour.

With the result long settled, the defining moment came in the closing stages. Cantona, collecting the ball inside his own half, danced away from two Sunderland players before combining with Brian McClair. Spotting Perez off his line, he lifted an exquisite chip over his compatriot to complete the scoring.

We're throwing it back to December 1996 on the blog this morning... youtu.be/s1ccyEPUNjM?...

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— The View From K Stand (@theviewfromkstand.bsky.social) September 30, 2025 at 9:18 AM

Wider history between the two sides

For two clubs long established in English football, meetings between Manchester United and Sunderland have rarely produced a defining contest. This one, however, certainly stands out. 

One of The King’s last great Old Trafford moments

The strange thing is, Cantona wasn’t actually in a great run of form at this point. Maybe this is why fans have so many fond memories of this goal. One fan, Ben, told us: “For some reason, you just knew he was going to do something special when he picked up the ball.”

Few realised at the time, but Cantona would only score four more goals at Old Trafford before retiring at the end of that season. The strike remains a vivid reminder of his artistry and influence in a United shirt.

Quotes from people that were there

The famous Stretford Ender commented on a YouTube video of the goal: “The goal was good, but it's the celebration that makes it.”

@andrewkravmaga1833 commented on the same video: “If there was ever a king, Cantona was exactly that.  He carried himself like a man amongst boys on that field.  Football probably will never see a player like him again.”