European Cup Winners’ Cup Final
Feijenoord Stadion, Rotterdam
15 May, 1991
MANCHESTER UNITED 2
(Hughes 67, 74)
FC BARCELONA 1
(Koeman 79)
“I shall never forget the whole day,” said Sir Alex Ferguson, a
year after his first European success with the Reds.
“The goals were obviously memorable and important, but for me
the lasting impression was the atmosphere in the Feyenoord Stadium
and watching the jubilation of our supporters in the pouring
rain.”
Mancunians, weaned on grey clouds and drizzle, were hardly
likely to have their spirits dampened by a deluge in the De Kuip
stadium – now known simply as ‘Rotterdam’ – and boy, there was
plenty to be excited about.
A first European final in 23 years; 30,000 Reds belting out
‘Always look on the bright side of life’; two goals for former
Barça boy Mark Hughes; his compatriot Clayton Blackmore producing a
crucial goal-line clearance.
And ultimately, victory against Johan Cruyff’s runaway La Liga
leaders, European champions just 12 months later.
For one man who enjoyed a less-than-memorable time in the
Catalan capital, the victory was especially sweet.
“I wanted to show the football fans of Barcelona the real Mark
Hughes, not the one booted out of town as a flop,” said Sparky in
his 1994 autobiography Hughesie.
“I always knew I was a better player than they had seen, and
that night I showed it.”
United: Sealey; Irwin, Bruce, Pallister, Blackmore; Phelan,
Robson, Ince, Sharpe; McClair, Hughes
Subs not used: Walsh, Donaghy, Webb, Robins, Wallace
Booked: Robson