Iconic moments | Blackburn Rovers at home | May 1993

United 3 - 1 Blackburn Rovers

Party time at Old Trafford in May 1993 as we celebrated our first title in 26 years.

Author | Pete Shaw

Trophy celebrations

Goals from Ryan Giggs, Paul Ince, and Gary Pallister sealed a 3-1 victory over an ever-improving Blackburn Rovers side. It was all about the celebrations after though.

The wider context

Thanks to Sky’s scheduling, Aston Villa were set to play Oldham on the Sunday, while we faced Blackburn on the Monday night. Fergie famously refused to watch Villa’s game, choosing a round of golf over the stress, but most of the United squad and fans were glued to their TVs. It turned out to be one of the best decisions ever. Oldham stunned Villa at Villa Park, and just like that, Manchester United were Champions. I still remember sprinting around the house shouting in disbelief. After 26 long years, we had done it. The next day was all about celebrating at Old Trafford.

Because it was a Bank Holiday, fans turned up early and the atmosphere was electric hours before kick-off. Walking up to the old forecourt that day felt special, full of emotion and pride. 

Scenes outside Old Trafford

Inside, it was unreal. Even though the Stretford End had been knocked down earlier that season and was still a partial building site, the noise that night more than made up for it. It was easily one of the best atmospheres I have ever experienced, right up there with the 1999 win over Spurs and that unforgettable 2008 semi-final against Barcelona. Everyone was singing their hearts out. 

Before kick-off, a young Paul Scholes was handed the Young Player of the Year award, a reminder that the club’s future looked every bit as exciting as its present.

What happened on the pitch?

The match itself did not disappoint. Blackburn took the lead through Kevin Gallacher, but Ryan Giggs levelled things with a brilliant free kick that sent the stadium into a frenzy. At half time it felt like one long party rather than a football match. 

Then came the second half, and with it, the moment everyone wanted. Bryan Robson came on to a huge ovation. Captain Marvel finally had his league winner’s medal. United began to play some outstanding football, and when Paul Ince made it 2-1, the place erupted. Then, right at the end, Gary Pallister popped up with his first goal of the season to seal the perfect night. It was more than just a win. It was the night Manchester United truly announced themselves as champions again.

Comments from fans who were there

The View from K Stand contributor Lee Francis: “That was one of the first games that shaped things for me. It’s still in my mind now.”

Aika travelled from Malta for the match, he said: “I've always enjoyed going to matches at Old Trafford, but that was something special. People were just so happy. Older reds who had experienced 26 years of hurt were crying happy tears.”