Kevin Keegan managed many memorable moments at Newcastle United, but one October evening in 1996 sits above them all — the night his side dismantled Manchester United 5-0 at St James' Park, and Eric Cantona delivered a verdict that Keegan would never forget.

The backdrop: title rivals once more

The 1995/96 Premier League season had ended in heartbreak for Newcastle United. A lead that once seemed unassailable dissolved, and Manchester United claimed the title while Newcastle watched on. When the two clubs met again in October 1996, ten games into the new campaign, both were expected to contest the championship once more — Manchester United unbeaten, Newcastle sitting top of the table.

A demolition at St James' Park

What unfolded was emphatic. Darren Peacock and David Ginola had Newcastle 2-0 ahead inside 30 minutes. Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer extended that lead to 4-0 by the 75th minute. Then came the goal that sealed everything in Keegan's memory: Philippe Albert lifting the ball over Peter Schmeichel for a breathtaking fifth.