After 26 years of trying, Manchester United finally reached the promised land and won the league in 1993.
Since their last league title United had seen relegation, promotion, a number of new managers and had gone agonisingly close only to be pipped in the previous season by Leeds.
But in 1993 there was a turning point late in the season that galvanised United’s push for the league title.
Manchester United trailed Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 late in a game in April, but with things looking bleak Steve Bruce popped up to draw United level. A draw was better than a loss but with the previous season’s capitulation in mind, a win would have been a lot more comfortable.
So in injury time (the ref had injured his achilles and had to be replaced by the linesman meaning a good few minutes were added on) Steve Bruce popped up again to slam home another header. Cue scenes of joy as Sir Alex and Brian Kidd celebrated on the touchline and even on the pitch!
It proved a pivotal moment that season and in United’s history as it ushered in a period of dominance in the 90s and 2000s, but Bruce himself plays it down. Instead he looks to other moments that season and is simply happy to have played at United.
Asked if he knew how momentous his goals would be, Bruce replied:
“I didn’t, because there were still five games to go, including two days later at Coventry when we won 1-0 and Denis Irwin blasted one in.
“But those headers have become pivotal, and I could retire on them if I wanted to!
“But I was delighted to get the opportunity to go to Manchester United. When you go there you realise what a big club and an institution it is.
“To play for nearly 10 years, win trophies and captain them…. I don’t really go back to the goals; to captain them for the best part of five years was a wonderful experience.
“It’s a fantastic club.”
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