We beat Leeds at the Lane 2 days later, in front of 20,562.
That was actually our 4th highest gate that season, behind the Man U gate on the first day, the derby game in November, and just 70 less than the gate against Liverpool. It was above our average that season which was only 18,801. This was the time when United were having to re-build support after the wilderness years of the late 70’s and 80’s, albeit against a perennial struggle against the odds and relegation.
The FB front cover after the defeat in the semi-final was more of a defiant statement, although the editorial did question how United could tempt back the thousands who had been to Wembley, whilst doubting that there was anything that Dave Bassett could do about it, given that the season had shown that United simply weren’t good enough to prosper in the top flight, and were simply destined to constantly battle for their existence because of - as it ever was - the Board.
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