This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
- Sweater
- Year: 1996-1997
- Player: Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Jordi Cruyff
- Size: XL (69 cm x 65 cm)
- Brand: Umbro
- Sponsor: Sharp
- Details: Very good condition apart from damage on the sleeve, stunning heavy weight sweater with Sharp sponsor on the back.
The 1996–97 season marked Manchester United's fifth in the Premier League and their 22nd consecutive season in the top division of English football. They secured the Premier League title with 75 points, finishing seven points ahead of Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. In European competition, United reached the semi-finals of the European Cup but were eliminated by eventual winners Borussia Dortmund after losing both legs 1-0. Earlier in the group stage, they suffered their first home defeat in Europe with a 1-0 loss to Fenerbahçe. Their FA Cup run ended in the Fourth Round replay with a 1-0 defeat to Wimbledon, and they exited the League Cup in the Fourth Round to eventual winners Leicester City. Ole Gunnar Solskjær emerged as a breakthrough star, scoring 19 goals in all competitions and becoming the club's top scorer. David Beckham won the PFA Young Player of the Year award and earned his first England cap. Defensively, Ronny Johnsen successfully replaced Steve Bruce, while new signings Karel Poborský and Jordi Cruyff struggled to secure regular first-team places. The season saw the departure of Lee Sharpe to Leeds United for £4.5 million, and earlier, captain Steve Bruce and Paul Parker left on free transfers. The season ended with Eric Cantona's surprise retirement, leading to the signing of 31-year-old Teddy Sheringham from Tottenham Hotspur for £3.5 million.