Wed. Nov 6th, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

MANCHESTER UNITED go into tonight’s clash with Aston Villa hoping to end their worst run in front of goal in over 30 years.

The Red Devils have endured a wretched Christmas period, failing to score in their last four games.

Man Utd ended a four-game goal drought in 19925

Man Utd ended a four-game goal drought in 1992Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Erik ten Hag‘s side have consequently fallen to eighth in the Premier League table.

While they also crashed out of the Champions League.

Last time they had a run this bad in front of goal was all the way back in 1992.

At the time, Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side also went four games without scoring a single goal in all competitions.

The awful streak began on October 24, 1992 – when United drew 0-0 with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

They then crashed out of the League Cup by falling 1-0 at Aston Villa just four days later.

A 1-0 home defeat to Wimbledon followed in the Premier League.

They then lost 1-0 to tonight’s opponents Villa again, this time in the league.

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Man Utd's goalscorer in 1992 now looks very different5

Man Utd’s goalscorer in 1992 now looks very differentCredit: The Times

Next up for Ferguson’s side was a must-win home clash with Oldham.

Having already crashed out of Europe with a two-legged defeat to Torpedo Moscow, all eyes were on the league.

United managed to end their drought by securing a 3-0 win over the Latics at Old Trafford.

And it was Brian McClair that managed to break their duck.

The dependable star dubbed “Choccy” scored just ten minutes into the contest, with Mark Hughes then grabbing another just a minute later.

McClair scored his second of the game just shy of the half-hour mark, with United going on to win 3-0.

In what fans may hope is a good omen, United lost just two more league games in that entire season on the way to the title.

McClair, now 60, wore his dark hair short in those days.

Now, however, some fans may find him unrecognisable with his vastly different style.

The Scot has grown long grey hair and a thick, bushy beard since his playing days.

He went on to coach in Man Utd’s academy between 2006 and 2015.

McClair now has his own “Life with Brian” podcast.

McClair celebrates his opening goal

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McClair celebrates his opening goalCredit: YouTube @CLASSIC RED DEVILS
The Scot was a key man for many years at Old Trafford

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The Scot was a key man for many years at Old TraffordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
McClair has a very different style these days

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McClair has a very different style these daysCredit: The Times

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