Along with the Sir Alex celebrations this week there was another milestone that went a long way in determining the history of the modern United.
20 years ago in November a Monsieur Eric Cantona signed for United and a roller coaster 5 and a half years which saw 4 league titles and 2 FA Cups including 2 league and cup doubles.
Eric had a troubled career in France and often ran into trouble either with refs or the authorities. He came over to England for a trial with Sheffield Wednesday but ended up signing for Leeds United where he helped them pip United to the last First Division title before the premiership started.
He started the premiership inaugural season as a Leeds United player and scored a hat trick against Liverpool in the Charity Shield but as folklore says a phone call by Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson to Sir Alex about Dennis Irwin led to Sir Alex enquiring about Eric, when Howard said he is available the trigger led to Eric being a United player, long before the transfer deadline days. He made his debut as a sub against Manchester City in December 1992.
He helped United to there first title in 26 years and became the first player in English football to win successive top flight league titles with different teams.
The following season he helped the club win the double and scored twice in the 1994 FA cup against Chelsea. The following season ended abruptly in January when playing Crystal Palace he lashed out at an abusive fan after being sent off. The recriminations were that he was suspended by the club and the FA then added onto the ban by suspending him until October the following season. Facing a trial he eventually received a community service order and decided to stay and help United regain the league title they lost to Blackburn Rovers.
He made his comeback against Liverpool and set up a goal in the first few minutes and scored the equaliser to cap a fantastic return. The club went on to regain the title and he captained the team in the FA Cup final against Liverpool and scored the only goal to help United do the double double.
The following season he was made permanent captain and he helped United to the title again and at the end of the season aged 30 he decided to retire from the game. Cantona's contribution was immense and his influence on the younger players helped developed there game. In 5 years he helped win 6 major titles and scored 82 goals in 185 appearances.
His style of play was a joy and he had a swagger on the pitch that had the opposition worried and the fans vociferous. He was a walking time bomb but that is what United fans loved about him. He didn't like losing and the rest of the team responded. He was a winner and he wouldn't let standards slip, so much that when he felt he could give no more, he walked away. I cannot remember too many games that Cantona never had an influence in the match, he was that good.
His legacy is still felt around Old Trafford and his name is still sung on the Stretford End and he is still Eric the King..
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