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| Andy
Cole's sensational transfer from Newcastle in January 1995 for £7
million was at the time a British transfer record. He brought with him
to Old Trafford a phenomenal goal scoring record, but initially seemed
to have forgotten his shooting boots when he left Tyneside. Since his arrival
he has not been as prolific as expected but he has scored well over 30
goals and his overall ability has improved no end. He is no longer simply
a goalscorer but an important member of the team. The high point of his
United career came in the 9:0 demolition of Ipswich in 1995 when he scored
a Premiership record 5 goals.
He rediscovered his old confidence towards the end of last season and was crucial in the final stages of the run-in, consistantly turning in his best performances in a red shirt. And this season he has truly returned to his prolific best, rediscovering his old confidence and killer touch in front of goal. His hat-trick against Barnsley heralded the return of the Goal King Cole. An inspired performance in Feyenoord saw United run out 3:1 winners, with Cole netting his second hat-trick in a fortnight. The first European hat-trick by a United player since Denis Law in 1968. Powered by Cole's prolific form United stormed into the quarter finals of the Champions League and imposed a dominant lead in the Premiership. However the final months of the season saw the goals dry up for Cole as United's challenge at home and abroad was scuppered by injuries. Nevertheless Cole finished the Premiership's topscorer in all competitions. Despite his impressive season Glenn Hoddle saw fit not to include him in England's World Cup finals squad, opting instead for the injury plagued Les Ferdinand. Hoddle's reasoning behind the decision being that "sometimes you feel Andy needs to get four or five chances before he scores." It was England's loss but United's gain as Cole will be fully rested and raring to go in 1998/99. |
| United League Career |
| Season | App. | Goals |
| 1994-95 | 17 (1) | 12 |
| 1995-96 | 32 (2) | 11 |
| 1996-97 | 10 (10) | 6 |
| 1997-98 | 31 (2) | 15 |
| Total: | 90 (15) | 44 |