Eric Cantona’s genius will live long in the memory of Manchester United fans, but there is one current player who reminds the club’s longest-serving captain Bryan Robson of The King.
In the four-and-a-half seasons Eric Cantona spent at Manchester United, the Frenchman became a catalyst for Sir Alex Ferguson’s young side.
Cantona’s retirement in 1997 came as a shock, but his legacy remains to this day as he is known as The King among United fans, who continue to support him even with his music by attending concerts and Q&A events.
During his time at United, Cantona won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups. He is remembered as one of the most iconic centre-forwards to have played in English football.
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Bryan Robson hails Bruno Fernandes with Eric Cantona comparison
It is the ultimate praise for any United player to be compared to the likes of Cantona.
Bryan Robson has watched United closely since Michael Carrick was appointed interim head coach. Captain Marvel has an open invite to Carrington and has given feedback to Carrick and his backroom staff based on what he has seen at the training ground.
It shows that Robson and Carrick have an understanding and plenty of mutual respect as two iconic midfielders in United’s history.
Another midfielder with an incredible reputation among United fans is Bruno Fernandes.
Speaking on the latest Talk of the Devils podcast, Robson hailed Fernandes as a ‘top class’ player.
“No, he’s a top class player,” Robson said of Fernandes.
“I mean, the assists he has, the goals he’s scored for United. But a few years ago, when he took over the captaincy, I think he encourages the team all the time.
“You know, so he’s got a great attitude. Around the training ground, he’s got a great attitude. He’s always polite to people, smile on his face, so he enjoys his football.
“You know, and that’s a big part of it. You know, having that camaraderie on the training ground. Bruno is very good at that.”
When asked if Fernandes would get into Robson’s teams, he made the Cantona comparison: “Oh, yeah, we had some class players.
“But, you know, when you’re successful in the cup competitions, you’ve got to have a really good squad. And you look at Bruno, the managers have never left him out.”
“He’s a really fit, lad. He gets about the park and he’s a big influence on the team. So he would have got in at certain stages.
“I know he plays a little bit like Cantona. That’s his best position. So Eric wouldn’t have been happy like if he’d been on the bench from even one game.”
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Bryan Robson believes Bruno Fernandes is a ‘top class’ player
- Robson compares Fernandes to Eric Cantona
- Fernandes would have had a place in Robson’s teams
Bruno Fernandes’ numbers speak volumes
Fernandes belongs in the same bracket as Cantona because of his goal contributions.
The Portugal international has scored 106 goals and registered 105 assists for United.
That’s a total of 211 goal contributions from Fernandes in a United shirt. He would have been an asset to any great United side at that rate.
Fernandes has played a total of 322 games for United.
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