Manchester United surprised not only Reds fans but also the player in question when Teddy Sheringham was signed from Tottenham Hotspur for £3.5million, 20 years ago today.
"It was a lovely shock," said Teddy, at a swiftly-arranged press conference on 27 June 1997. "I thought this move had been ruled out a month ago."
The previous press call at Old Trafford in mid-May - to announce the retirement of Eric Cantona - had left fans in mourning; this time, United chairman Martin Edwards had some happier news to deliver.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," he said.