I ALWAYS played with an extra edge against London sides — something Sir Alex Ferguson would drill into me and Paul Ince.
Because the manager looked at us as being London boys, he would target us to have an added incentive in these fixtures — and in this instance, put one over Tottenham.
I had that adrenalin anyway with Spurs because their manager, Terry Venables, had spoken to me about joining them before I moved to Manchester United in 1991, so it was always something special to beat them.
The second half of this 1992-93 season suddenly changed after Sir Alex signed French star and maverick Eric Cantona from Leeds.
This was his sixth Prem game for the club and the fourth in a row in which he scored.
Eric brought us a completely new dynamic — he gave us that X-factor.
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Where the opposition had previously set out a plan to deal with our wide players or try to contain Brian McClair and Mark Hughes, suddenly there was this eccentric playing genius who no one had a clue what he was going to do next.
In his 22 Prem games from when he made his debut in early December, he recorded TWENTY goal involvements — nine goals and 11 assists. Incredible figures.
Eric was very quiet away from the pitch.
For such an expressive player — together with that wonderful swagger and arrogance to his game — he was so humble and ordinary.
We always used to laugh in training about getting the “Eric expression” — you hoped you’d get the smile because if he gave you the eyes or the grimace, you knew you were in trouble!
He was the most brilliant team-mate, so dedicated and the moment he arrived at the club everybody just adored him. He was the cog that took us to the next level.
I’d urge anyone to get a link to this game from 33 years ago at Old Trafford and admire Eric’s sublime chip over the Tottenham defence for Denis Irwin to run on and make it 2-0.
For the record, Eric had given us the lead just before half-time with a header, then Denis added a stunning second before Brian made it three with a long ranger.
I scored what would be my only league goal for United to make it four, running forward and getting a great one-two with Brian, picking up the return in the area and hitting a right-foot shot past keeper Erik Thorstvedt.
Going on to win the title in 1992-93 having been so close the previous season was amazing.
I spent five years at United, won the league twice, the FA Cup, League Cup and Charity Shield.
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I found out years later that previous United manager Ron Atkinson tried to sign me while I was still at Fulham in 1985 before I had joined QPR, so I regret I wasn’t part of the European Cup Winners’ Cup success in 1990-91, the season before I joined.
Now, 33 years later, you couldn’t not be impressed by the start interim boss Michael Carrick has made with three wins out of three for United against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.
When I was asked before the season where I thought United needed to finish, I said it would have to be top eight — even though they were 15th last season.
We’re talking Manchester United — one of the biggest teams in the world.
But I don’t think the Premier League is as strong this season, with so many inconsistent teams.
Unbeaten in six, if Carrick and the team can go on a run and be consistent, there is no doubt they can push for the top four.
Ultimately, a European place has to be the goal.
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*TACKLING THE GAME My Life in Football by Paul Parker (with Wayne Barton) is available now via Pitch Publishing, £25.
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