Jordi CRUYFF

Jordi Cruyff joined Manchester United in August 1996 for £1.4 million from Spanish giants Barcelona. Having played in the Dutch Euro '96 team, Cruyff came with quite a reputation as a two-footed attacking midfielder. He made his debut on 17th August 1996 in the opening fixture of the league campaign, a 3-0 win away to Wimbledon. Jordi scored on his next two appearances helping United to salvage points at home to Everton and Blackburn Rovers with both fixtures ending 2-2. Cruyff remained a regular within the side until the end of November. Injury enforced his absence throughout much of the remainder of the season though he did return to pick up a Premiership Winner's Medal and scored the club's final goal of the campaign in a 2-0 win at home to West Ham United. Jordi began the next season in the first team, however, injury again played a large part in decimating his number of appearances.

He returned to the first team the next season and again he salvaged a crucial point away in a 1-1 draw with Derby County. Though Cruyff frequently scored whenever he appeared, in January 1999 he was allowed to go on loan to Celta Vigo until the end of the season. The Dutchman rejoined his United teammates in the summer of 1999 having missed out on their remarkable treble winning exploits. Opportunities were again limited and again Jordi was scoring crucial goals when he was called upon. Cruyff scored three league goals during the season, the first two brought draws against Wimbledon whilst the third sealed a 3-2 victory against Watford. That was to be Jordi's final goal and he made his farewell appearance against Aston Villa on 14th May 2000. Cruyff's contract expired on 30th June and he moved on to Spanish club Alaves in search of regular first team football. (Steve Drabble)