Brian Deane 1992 ‘First Premier League Goal Match’ Worn Sheffield United Jersey

On August 15, 1992, Sheffield United and Manchester United squared off on the first matchday of the newly established FA Premier League. The match, played in front of 28,070 raucous fans at historic Bramall Lane in Sheffield, marked a new beginning for the top flight of English football.

Just five minutes after kick-off, the Blades earned a throw-in deep in Manchester United territory. Sheffield right back Carl Bradshaw hurled a long throw into the penalty box which took a deflection off United defender Dennis Irwin. Before goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel could pounce off his line, Sheffield forward Brian Deane soared across the box and buried a flying header in the back of the net for the first goal in Premier League history.

Sotheby’s is proud to present this Umbro brand Sheffield United jersey worn by Brian Deane in the game he scored the first goal in the history of the storied Premier League. The jersey is photomatched to the second half. Resolution Photomatching determined it was likely worn in the first half as well.

Deane – an Englishman who went on to score 71 goals in the Premier League – added a second tally off a penalty kick in the 50th minute. Manchester United responded with a 61st minute goal from Mark Hughes but Sheffield United ultimately held on to secure a 2-1 victory. This famous match featured numerous iconic footballers including Deane, Irwin, Schmeichel, Hughes, and Ryan Giggs.

The jersey has been photomatched by Resolution Photomatching to August 15, 1992. Along with the Resolution Photomatching letter and graphics, the jersey is also accompanied by a letter from James Spence Authentication regarding the signature.

Going Deeper

After deteriorating stadiums, low revenues, and declining attendance marred English football in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the birth of the Premier League served as the ultimate revival and spawned a new generation of bitter rivalries, dramatic storylines, and heroes. Now in its 31st season, the Premier League is the most-watched football league in the world.

Despite the landmark victory, Sheffield United earned only 52 points in the 1992-93 campaign and finished 14th in the league table. Manchester United, on the other hand, finished at the top of the table with 84 points and were crowned champions. Sheffield United was relegated in 1994 and did not return to the top flight until 2006. By that point, Manchester United had already won the league eight times.

Sheffield United’s upset over Manchester United in the opening match of the 1992-93 season is one of the club’s crowning achievements in its 133-year history. Moreover, Brian Deane’s famous opening goal is forever etched into the rich history of European football.