The hype surrounding Eric Cantona’s signing had masked the importance of Manchester United of the return of Lee Sharpe. The England winger was set to play his sixth game since his recovery from illness at Chelsea later that week at Stamford Bridge as United bid for their fifth successive win. It was going to be two in-form teams as Chelsea had moved into the top four on the back of six wins in their previous eight matches. Sharpe had been hit by viral meningitis. And had to be admitted to the hospital and ruled out for 10 weeks.