Ex-Man Utd striker on ‘pure pain’ of leg-breaking tackle from player nicknamed ‘Ninja’

On Oct 12, 2022

Former Manchester United forward Dion Dublin has opened up about his unsuccessful spell with the Red Devils, and looked back on the leg break that signalled the end of his time with the club.

Before becoming a daytime television icon by presenting Homes Under the Hammer, Dion Dublin was a prolific goalscorer in the English top flight, representing sides including Coventry City, Aston Villa and earning international recognition with England.

Dublin’s career began at Cambridge United, but after four years and over 150 appearances, the menacing striker made a £1 million move to Manchester United where he hoped to replicate his form.

But, speaking on the Quickly Kevin podcast, Dublin explained how a dangerous tackle only a month into the season ruined his dreams of success with United.

“I received the ball, went to turn away, and as I went to turn away, my left foot was still in the ground, and everything moved but my ankle,” he recalled.

“I was scissor tackled from behind. Eric Young, a big Welsh geezer, had the ninja headband on – he was called the ninja – he f***ing got me that day, the b******.

Dion Dublin’s spell at Manchester United after suffering a broken leg at the start of his first season

“That was it really, pure pain. I dislocated my tibia, broke my fibula, and then they signed some French geezer from Leeds and there was no way back for me I’m afraid.”

The Frenchman in question was Eric Cantona, and the maverick forward quickly established himself as United’s first-choice strike partner to Mark Hughes, signalling that there was no way back for Dublin.

The Englishman went on to play a handful of times for the Old Trafford side, but was eventually sold to Coventry in 1994, where he quickly became a firm favourite among Sky Blues fans, after equalling the club’s record for scoring the most goals in a first division season.

Eric Young was nicknamed the ‘Ninja’ while playing for Crystal Palace
(Image: Popperfoto via Getty Images)

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Nowadays, the former striker is almost as well known for his TV work as his footballing career after taking on a presenting role with Homes Under the Hammer.

In fact, Dublin is so taken with his new property career, that he revealed plans to launch an auction house company while speaking exclusively to the Daily Star.