'Eric Cantona could easily be made out in the VIP seats; he was the only one not wearing a suit. Manchester United's guest of honour turned up with a pirate's beard and a jacket that was more cat basket than catwalk. He still oozed French chic, of course, and his sense of timing was impeccable, as always.
This was United's most vibrant attacking performance of the season, scoring five at home in the league for the first time in more than two years. They have certainly played better in that time and Crystal Palace's generosity in defence contributed much to the margin of victory. But in an attacking sense, the news of Ruud van Nistelrooy's injury plight should not engulf Old Trafford in too deep a sense of foreboding. The Dutchman's absence, possibly until early February, need not be a decisive blow in the championship race judging by the exhilarating form of some of Sir Alex Ferguson's most penetrative players.
Cantona could have been excused for leaving Old Trafford confused by reports that Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Roy Keane are past their sell-by date. Scholes has six goals in as many Premiership games, having taken 31 previously to score that many. Giggs evoked memories of those days when opposition defenders were described as suffering "twisted blood". Meanwhile Keane is flourishing in a slightly adapted role as a defence-minded, holding midfielder. One of the great readers of the game, he is back to looking what he is - a champion - rather than a clapped-out boxer after one fight too many.
They will need to sustain these standards if United are to make light of Van Nistelrooy's absence. Tests have shown the striker's recurrent calf injury has led to his Achilles problems and Ferguson, estimating how long he would be without his leading striker, spoke of "hopefully four weeks but maybe six".
Though the striker could miss the trips to Arsenal and Liverpool, Ferguson ought not to be too disheartened. He has the most expensive striker in England in Wayne Rooney, and Alan Smith, Van Nistelrooy's replacement, would probably edge out Rio Ferdinand for United's player-of-the-season award were it voted for at Christmas.
Cantona had ghosted off into the night by the time John O'Shea, a first-half replacement for the injured Quinton Fortune, turned in Giggs's cross. The visiting contingent from Milan had also slunk away. The Rossoneri will not defend like Dowie's men but United's Champions League opponents left with plenty to ponder.'