Eric Cantona scored many incredible goals for Manchester United, but The King previously admitted that his ‘greatest goal’ came against Liverpool.
It has been 28 years since Eric Cantona retired at the age of 30, with no prior warning. The Frenchman was at the peak of his career after becoming an icon at Old Trafford, and his presence went beyond goals and assists; he was the catalyst for Fergie’s Fledglings.
During Cantona’s four and a half years at United between 1992 and 1997, the former France international won six major trophies, including two Premier League titles and the FA Cup on two occasions.
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He is widely regarded as one of United’s most important players after helping end the club’s 26-year wait for league success.
A player of Cantona’s mould is what United need now, especially with a Premier League meeting with Liverpool on the horizon.
Although Cantona’s views on United’s ownership likely mean that the relationship was a lot stronger during his playing career.
Manchester United V Liverpool, Premier League
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Eric Cantona reflects on ‘greatest’ goal vs Liverpool in FA Cup final
Cantona believes his FA Cup-winning goal against Liverpool in 1996 is his ‘greatest ever’ strike.
The match itself was a tense affair with few clear-cut chances, but the deciding moment came late in the second half.
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Liverpool stopper David James punched the ball clear from a corner kick before the ball dropped in front of Cantona, who volleyed it with venom into the net.
Seconds later, the eccentric Frenchman wheeled away in celebration, as it meant United would become ‘Double’ winners, having already won the Premier League.
Speaking in 2016 about the goal, Cantona said (via The Sun): “The goal in the FA Cup final against Liverpool is my greatest ever. I volleyed home the winning goal.”
It was Cantona’s second time winning the ‘Double’ with United in two years.
The 1996 FA Cup final is also famous for how the Liverpool squad laughably arrived at Wembley wearing matching cream-coloured Armani suits with loud ties.
Eric Cantona’s impressive record against Liverpool
Not only did Cantona provide key moments in games against Liverpool for United, he was victorious four times out of nine games and scored three goals on top of two assists.
Cantona scored against Liverpool following his return from an eight-month ban. It was the equaliser in a 2-2 draw as he set up Nicky Butt for the opening goal.
The goals were often decisive, but none were bigger than the FA Cup-winner in 1996.