Six months before Saints' 6-3 triumph over champions Man United at The Dell came this even more memorable victory against the Red Devils just before United won their second domestic double. With four games to go in the season, Southampton desperately needed to pick up points in order to survive in the top flight, while United had fought back from a 10 point deficit behind Newcastle to go top. Most people were sure that it would be an easy win for United that could condemn Saints to relegation. However, by half time Southampton were three up thanks to goals from Monkou, Le Tissier and Neil Shipperley. It was a superb first half performance from Saints, but Alex Ferguson had other thoughts. He was sure that his club's failings had nothing to do with Southampton's performance and everything to do with United's grey away kit, which Ferguson claimed made it impossible for players to pick themselves out against the crowd. United changed to their blue third kit and came back out to pull one back in the second half. Ferguson claimed the £10,000 fine he had to pay for changing the strip was the best £10,000 he had ever spent, but his excuse made the club a laughing stock and delighted neutrals. United had lost four and drawn one of their games in the grey shirt before it was retired within days of the defeat to Southampton. They would win the final three games of the season to take the title. Southampton, meanwhile, stayed in the league on goal difference alone, making this win vital as well as amusing. Southampton Starting XI: Beasant, Dodd, Venison, Monkou, Benali, Neilson, Charlton, Magilton, Heaney, Le Tissier, Shipperley
