Manchester United legend Eric Cantona snubbed three former Red Devils teammates when he was asked to name the best teammate from his legendary career.
Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up Eric Cantona from Manchester United’s rivals Leeds United in 1992, with the Frenchman having a sensational impact at Old Trafford.
Cantona, who was widely admired by Sir Alex Ferguson, scored an impressive 81 times and picked up 62 assists in 183 appearances for the Red Devils.
During his four-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford, the 57-year-old former United star lifted four Premier League titles and two FA Cups under Ferguson.
Cantona’s incredible playing style, coupled with his larger-than-life persona, made him a fan favourite during – and after – his time at the Premier League club.
However, the former United forward’s football career came to an abrupt end when Cantona shocked the world with his retirement in 1997 at the age of 30.
The former France international pursued different career paths after his time in football, including transitioning into a singer and performing at live events.
Cantona named his best teammate ever
Eric Cantona appeared at an event at the Bournemouth International Centre in 2017 and held a 50-minute Q&A session with the audience in attendance.
According to The Daily Mirror, Cantona was asked about his best teammate ever and the Manchester United legend received suggestions from the audience.
The newspaper said that legendary former United trio Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Peter Schmeichel were all named before Cantona revealed his pick.
Cantona, who has become well-known for his enigmatic personality, revealed that Gary McAllister would be his best teammate ahead of any United legend.
Gary McAllister signed for Leeds United in 1990 and was at the club when Cantona initially arrived on a loan spell from French side Nimes.
Cantona played alongside McAllister and the pair lifted the First Division title with Leeds before the United legend made his move to Old Trafford.
Cantona’s special connection with Man Utd
Despite his sudden exit from football, Cantona had a long-lasting impact on football and is held highly by his former teammates, including Roy Keane and Gary Neville.
The former Leeds and United star holds a special connection with the Red Devils and was thrilled with the success he achieved under Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website in 2022, Cantona said: “The time I had in Manchester was a great time for me.
“I will always look back on it with family and friends and it was a kind of education for me, you know.
“What I am today is because of my parents, my family, my best friends and because of the time I had in Manchester with everybody.
“With the players, with everyone who worked for the club, with Sir Alex and with the fans… everyone.
“I feel that the human being I am today is because of all the great experiences I have had in my life and the time I had in Manchester were maybe the best years of my life.
“It was so wonderful, so intense and so great.”
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
