This page is a tribute to the man who brought the glory days back to Old Trafford. Eric Cantona, the greatest foreign footballer to ever grace our shores, and, many would say, the greatest footballer of his generation.


Eric arrived at Old Trafford in 1992 after just helping Leeds United to win the old 1st Division. . He then went on to win four more championship medals in five seasons with Manchester United, the fist one in 1992/93 being the first time United had won the league since 1967. The only season that United failed to win the league was (coincidently) the season when Eric was banned following his assualt on an abusive Crystal Palace supporter. 'Le God' also helped United to become the only team in history to win two League and FA Cup doubles. Eric The King scored 80 league and cup goals for United in his four and a half year 'reign'. In addition to his domestic achievements, Eric also played a big part in United's best attempt to win the European Cup for almost 30 years when they narrowly lost in the Semi-final to Dortmund last season. He won many coverted awards including the PFA Player of the year and the Sportswriters Player of the Year and was the last largely responsible for making the departure of the mighty Bryan Robson pass without too many tears. The same cannot be said oth the departure of Cantona himself. Cantona won many caps for France, but his already poor relationship with the French Football authorities finally snapped after the infamous incident at Selhurst Park. It was then that Cantona was banned from the National Team and stripped of his captaincy. The French manager refused to let Cantona back into the fold, despite his form for United, and France subsequently failed to shine in Euro '96.

Geat Goals
Of Eric's 80 League and Cup goals in a United shirt there were many which simply took the breath away. We all remember the volley at Selhurst Park (not the one of the Palace fan!) and the free kick past David Seaman at Old Trafford, but what was Cantona's best goal for United? In my opinion it has to be the goal against Newcastle United at St James' Park in the 1995/96 campaign. Newcastle were top of the League and looking good for the Title. Everyone new that nothing less than a victory would be good enough for the Reds. The pressure was immense, Newcastle had completely dominated the first 45 minutes, lesser men and teams would have crumbled but, on the one hour mark, Cantona drove a stunning volley past the keeper to snatch the three points that ultimately de-railed the Geordies title challenge and brought the silverware back home - again!