1996 Premier League Matchday 37 vs Newcastle United

Lore & Background

Eric Cantona scored a hat-trick (3 goals) in this match. Gary Pallister scored the fourth goal late in the game, not an early opener. The goal order was: first goal by Cantona, then further goals by Cantona, with Pallister scoring the fourth.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell hard on St James' Park, mirroring the storm brewing inside the home fans' stomachs. The roar was deafening when Gary Pallister broke the deadlock early, but silence followed instantly as Eric Cantona arrived late to claim his hat-trick with clinical precision. One goal became two, then three from the Frenchman, until the fourth sent shockwaves through the stadium that would echo for decades. In the tunnel afterward, the realization dawned on Newcastle: the dream was over, and the Red Devils had claimed their throne.

Reader's Guide

This match is remembered for Cantona's hat-trick, which helped Manchester United secure a crucial victory in the title race. The win contributed to United's dominance in the 1990s, as they went on to win the Premier League that season.

Did You Know?

• Eric Cantona scored a hat-trick (3 goals) in this match, not 4 goals.
• This was not Cantona's first Premier League hat-trick; he had previously scored a hat-trick for Leeds United against Tottenham in 1992.
• Gary Pallister scored the fourth goal late in the game, not an early opener.