Lee Sharpe’s remarkable finish against Barcelona in 1994-95 was the defining moment of his final Champions League appearance for Manchester United – and remains one of the club’s most replayed goals.
It arrived during a season when United failed to win a trophy, but the 2-2 draw produced a moment that has endured far longer than many of the campaign’s other memories.
Sharpe’s goal was an 80th-minute equaliser, created by a cross from Roy Keane, who was wearing the number nine shirt. As the ball arrived, a defender slid in without making contact, while the goalkeeper dived despite appearing to know he had already been beaten.
Sharpe continued his run and turned to watch the ball nestle in the net before celebrating with the Sharpey Shuffle in front of the goalposts that helped keep the net tight. Those posts have since disappeared from Old Trafford, but the celebration remains part of the image.
The finish itself is difficult to classify. It was not quite a conventional backheel, while calling it simply a flick seems to undersell its quality. The outside-of-the-boot strike known as a trivela has its own name, so perhaps this type of finish deserves one as well.
Whatever it is called, the execution was superb. The defender sliding past the ball, the goalkeeper’s futile dive, the advertising hoardings behind the goal and a steward throwing his arms into the air all add to its unmistakable 1990s character.
Sharpe was also perfectly suited to that era of Manchester United. His lifestyle, dancing, drinking and willingness to take the mickey made him a hugely entertaining figure, and the goal was made even more memorable because it came from him.
The 1994-95 campaign had begun with United expected to challenge again, but Sir Alex Ferguson had signed only David May and Graeme Tomlinson during the preceding summer. The team eventually ended the season without silverware.
Sharpe’s Barcelona moment was also the final goal of his final Champions League game. He missed the return fixture because of injury, when United were beaten 4-0 at Camp Nou.
That season ended with United losing the title to Blackburn. They played in the UEFA Cup in 1995-96, which became Sharpe’s final campaign at the club before he moved to Leeds United.
His importance to United had already begun to diminish by then. In 1993-94, he made 41 appearances, starting 33 matches and scoring 11 goals, including an impressive volley at Everton.
That season was the high point of his United career, as injuries, the form of Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes, and the emergence of David Beckham limited his opportunities. Ryan Giggs scored 17 goals and Andrei Kanchelskis 10, while Cantona scored 25 and Hughes 22.
It was still a remarkable era for United. They retained the inaugural Premier League title in 1993-94, won the FA Cup and only missed out on a domestic treble after losing the League Cup final to Aston Villa. Paul Ince believed that side could have beaten the 1999 Treble winners.
Sharpe’s final Champions League goal was therefore a fitting farewell: a beautifully improvised finish, an unforgettable celebration and a lasting memory from a player made for the 1990s.
