Why Selhurst Park Is Special For Reds

I've experienced some incredible atmospheres while following Manchester United, but I genuinely believe none can match the one generated for the clash with Crystal Palace on 21 April 1993.

It seems difficult to fathom nowadays, when we have so many means of following matches, but on that night nearly 25 years ago, I had no idea that our title-race rivals Aston Villa were trailing in their game against Blackburn Rovers as I made my way into the United end at Selhurst Park. On entering the ground, it became abundantly clear that a party was in progress.

Having been scarred by the events of the previous year, when we were favourites to land the league title but lost out to Leeds United, it was finally time to dare believing that the long wait for a championship in my lifetime was over.

‘We shall not be moved, like a team that's going to win the Football League,’ was chanted over and over again as we revelled in Villa losing valuable points. But for all the noisy backing from the terraces, it took some time for the Reds - wearing the green-and-yellow kit - to break down the Palace defence.

Mark Hughes finally opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a trademark strike past England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn. Cantona set up the chance and the Welshman had ample opportunity to bring it down and finish, as he was completely unmarked. Instead, he hit it ferociously on the full volley with spectacular effect.

When Paul Ince scored late on, I’ll never forget rushing to the front of the stand for the midfielder’s clincher and screaming in celebration straight at Cantona as he turned to face us, his own features contorted in a similar expression of unrestrained joy. It was a rare occasion when I was genuinely lost in the moment, sharing it by locking eye contact with the man who had done so much to bring us the championship and going crazy.

Our 2-0 win over Palace and Villa's simultaneous 3-0 defeat to Blackburn meant the title was in touching distance and the joyous mood continued on the way out of the ground, with one fan in front of me belting out James Brown’s I Feel Good to the amusement of those around him! The title race still may not have been done and dusted but the sheer ecstasy and relief of that night flooded out of every person in the away end that evening.

When back at home, I watched the highlights with real anticipation that the atmosphere would come across on TV and it did. More amazing times supporting Alex Ferguson's team were to follow but this was truly a special occasion and when we next went to Selhurst Park less than a month later, to visit the ground's other home team Wimbledon, we did so as champions.

The opinions in this story are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com