Eric Cantona shared his deep-seated admiration for a fellow Manchester United legend and insisted that the former player would be “always focused” on a match.
The 58-year-old Manchester United legend called it time on his illustrious playing career in 1997 at the age of 30.
Eric Cantona was a key figure for Sir Alex Ferguson during the 1990s and had a sensational impact during his time at Old Trafford.
Signed from Leeds United in 1992 for a £1m transfer fee, Cantona scored an impressive 82 times and made 185 appearances for the Red Devils.
The former United star lifted four Premier League titles and two FA Cups under legendary ex-Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Cantona actively pursued other ventures after his sudden – and shock – retirement in 1997, including working in music and acting.
Cantona’s praise for Man Utd legend
Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, Eric Cantona was asked to build his ‘perfect’ XI and the Manchester United legend picked a star-studded roster of players.
The United legend’s frontline included none other than Red Devils icon George Best, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the club’s history, in his team.
George Best came through the United youth academy and went on to have a prolific playing career at Old Trafford, including lifting the Ballon d’Or award.
Despite a remarkable playing career, the United legend was known for his lavish lifestyle off the pitch and his high-profile battle with alcoholism.
Cantona insisted that Best would arrive at matches “always focused,” despite how the legendary former United No 7 lived his personal life away from football.
“He was a free spirit and had such charisma,” he said in 2006, as per FourFourTwo in 2024.
“With George and the rest of these players, I am sure we would have a lot of fun on the team bus!
“He loved life, but when it came to the game he was always focused. He gave everything he had to win.
“Yes, he left Old Trafford early, but he started at a young age and left so many great memories.”
Cantona’s admiration for Man Utd legend Best
George Best passed away at the age of 59 after he suffered multiple organ failure and the football world mourned the death of the former United star.
Cantona showed his ultimate admiration for the former Northern Ireland international in the past and said that he hopes to be in “his team” in the next life.
“After his first training session in heaven, George Best, from his favourite right wing, turned the head of God who was filling in at left-back,” he told Belfast Live in 2018.
“I would love for him to save me a place in his team – George Best that is, not God.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
