Eric Cantona was perhaps the most influential footballer in English footballer of the 1990s. A player of true vision and creativity, worthy of that now, much over-used word, "genius". His passing, innovation and influence was unrivalled, he could split a defence with the sort of pass that only he could create. Eric had an exhilarating array of skills, back-heels, stylish flicks, turns and lobs combined with immaculate ball control and touch. His shooting from long-range was superb while one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he was ice cool and clinical. If opposing defenders lost concentration for a millisecond, it would be enough for Cantona to punish them and set the Reds on the way to another vital victory. Together with a sometimes unpredictable Gallic temperament, Cantona was a one-man footballing phenomenon.Cantona was a unique character, a one-off, but Manchester United and Eric was a match made in heaven. When Alex Ferguson stunned everyone in English football with the deal of the decade that aquired him from Leeds, few knew the impact Eric would make. Most United fans thought he was no more than a strengthening of the squad, but a few months later it became clear that Cantona was by far the most important player at Old Trafford. From the moment he walked through the door he realised there was at last the platform he was looking for, huge potential, huge support and a working assumption that only the best is good enough. And Eric Cantona knew he was the best.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
The Legend: Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona was perhaps the most influential footballer in English footballer of the 1990s. A player of true vision and creativity, worthy of that now, much over-used word, "genius". His passing, innovation and influence was unrivalled, he could split a defence with the sort of pass that only he could create. Eric had an exhilarating array of skills, back-heels, stylish flicks, turns and lobs combined with immaculate ball control and touch. His shooting from long-range was superb while one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he was ice cool and clinical. If opposing defenders lost concentration for a millisecond, it would be enough for Cantona to punish them and set the Reds on the way to another vital victory. Together with a sometimes unpredictable Gallic temperament, Cantona was a one-man footballing phenomenon.Cantona was a unique character, a one-off, but Manchester United and Eric was a match made in heaven. When Alex Ferguson stunned everyone in English football with the deal of the decade that aquired him from Leeds, few knew the impact Eric would make. Most United fans thought he was no more than a strengthening of the squad, but a few months later it became clear that Cantona was by far the most important player at Old Trafford. From the moment he walked through the door he realised there was at last the platform he was looking for, huge potential, huge support and a working assumption that only the best is good enough. And Eric Cantona knew he was the best.
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Since I last wrote on these pages Manchester United have lost an entire midfield, and seem unlikely to sign anybody before the transfer window shuts, but still managed to reach a cup final.
United will face Wigan in the Millennium Stadium on February 29 and could grab some silverware early in the season. However, in the list of priorities the Carling Cup is only kept of the bottom by the Charity Shield - still, a trophy is a trophy.
Manchester United will be huge favourites for the match and bias aside I can't really see Wigan defying the odds.
New signing Patrice Evra made his debut in the Manchester derby defeat and I have to say looked completely out of place. It was dumped in at the deep end and has improved since, he looks good on the deck but I have my doubts about his heading ability.
It's hard to give an opinion on Vidic as he has only made a couple of sub appearances and with Brown and Rio putting in some of their best performances in the shirt then it seems doubtful we will see much more of him in the near future.
With Heinze also due to come back the defence is in good shape, but what I want to know is what is happening in midfield? Why exactly did Fergie by two defenders when we have been crying out for a defensive midfielder for at least two years?
On the plus side Fletcher looks like he is becoming an accomplished player. He always manages to get out of a tight spot, rarely gives the ball away and has added tackling to his armoury of skill.
In attack Saha has managed to stay fit for a more than one game and is beginning to show why we spent £13million on him. He is top scorer in the cup and if he can get a couple against the Scousers in the FA Cup the season could yet yield fruit.
If only we could grow some decent midfielders. It occurred to me today that Fergie has only ever bought one real class midfielder, Roy Keane, and all the rest have been home grown. Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, Butt etc... were already at the club.
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