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A look back at Lee Sharpe's iconic backheel goal against Barcelona during the 1994 Champions League match at Old Trafford. A standout moment from Manchester United's golden era.

When the discussion turns to Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest Manchester United teams, the focus often rests on the Champions League winners of 1999 and 2008. Yet, the star-studded squad of 1994 should never be overlooked. They clinched the inaugural Premier League title, retained that crown in the 1993/94 season, lifted the FA Cup, and narrowly missed out on an internal treble due to a League Cup final defeat to Aston Villa.

It was a thrilling time for the Mancunians: Roy Keane burst onto the scene in his debut season at Old Trafford, Eric Cantona found the net 25 times, and Mark Hughes scored 22, while three wingers all reached double figures. Ryan Giggs netted 17 goals, and Andrei Kanchelskis added 10.

Lee Sharpe's moment of brilliance

For Lee Sharpe, the 1993/94 season was a peak in his United career: featuring in 41 matches (33 as a starter) and netting 11 goals, including a stunning volley against Everton. Yet for any Red Devils fan from that era, mention of his name instantly recalls the masterpiece he produced against Barcelona during the group stage of the 1994/95 Champions League.

That year proved challenging for the team, ending without silverware, but Sharpe's unforgettable goal remains etched in history. In the 80th minute, after a low cross from Roy Keane (who sported the unusual number nine at the time), Lee executed an elegant flick that transcended the description of a mere backheel—it was a piece of aesthetic brilliance.

The celebration matched the moment: his signature Sharpey Shuffle right in front of the famous Old Trafford nets, which have since disappeared. This goal, which secured a dramatic 2-2 draw, became Sharpe's last in the Champions League. Sadly, injuries and the ascent of David Beckham changed the pecking order within the squad, leading to Sharpe's move to Leeds United in 1996. Nevertheless, as a final flourish on the European stage, that goal was nothing short of sensational.