On a tense Monday night at St. James’ Park, Manchester United delivered one of their most significant victories of the 1995-96 Premier League season, defeating title rivals Newcastle United 1-0. Eric Cantona’s second-half goal proved decisive in a match that would become a defining moment in United’s charge towards an eventual league and FA Cup double.

At the time, Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle were the big challengers in English football, playing an exhilarating brand of attacking football that had captured the imagination of fans. In January 1996, they held a seemingly unassailable 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League. But by early March, that advantage had been cut to four, and Manchester United, with their relentless winning mentality, smelled blood. This trip to the North East was a must-win game for both sides.

Newcastle started the match at a blistering pace, creating a flurry of chances in the first half. Les Ferdinand was a constant threat, and David Ginola tormented United’s defence with his skill and movement. Peter Schmeichel, though, was in inspired form. The Danish goalkeeper produced a string of outstanding saves, including a crucial stop from Ferdinand’s close-range header and a stunning reaction save to deny Philippe Albert.

Despite Newcastle’s dominance in possession, Manchester United’s defence, marshalled by Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, held firm. With every attack repelled, frustration grew among the home fans, while Alex Ferguson’s side remained patient, waiting for their moment.

That moment arrived in the 51st minute. A deep cross from Phil Neville was nodded down by Andy Cole, and Eric Cantona, the man for the big occasion, volleyed the ball past Pavel Srníček with a typically composed finish. It was a goal of ruthless efficiency, in stark contrast to Newcastle’s wastefulness in front of goal.

Cantona’s celebration epitomised his growing influence on this United side, and the importance of the goal; normally one to strut with confidence, the Frenchman was unrestrained. Having returned from his eight-month suspension earlier in the season, he had become the driving force behind their title challenge, scoring vital goals at crucial moments.

Newcastle threw everything at United in the final half-hour, but Schmeichel and his defence refused to be beaten. As much as Cantona had the indelible statement on the match, Schmeichel’s masterclass in goalkeeping would be remembered just as much. The final whistle sparked jubilation among the visiting players and fans, while Newcastle’s players trudged off knowing they had let a golden opportunity slip.

The psychological impact of the defeat was enormous. Newcastle, once so assured, began to falter. Just weeks later, Keegan delivered his infamous “I would love it” rant, a sign of mounting pressure as United surged to the title. The win at St. James’ Park had shattered Newcastle’s confidence, while United’s belief only grew stronger.

By the end of the season, Ferguson’s side had overturned Newcastle’s lead to win the Premier League, before completing the double with victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup final. Cantona, inevitably, was the match-winner again at Wembley.

This night in Newcastle was more than just three points—it was the night the balance of power in the title race shifted irrevocably in United’s favour.

Also on this day – in 2009, United had a less-memorable but just as important trip to Newcastle, with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov scoring the goals which earned Alex Ferguson’s side another win on Tyneside.