Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo both have sacred places in Manchester United history. The King who turned a 26-year wait for a title into a decade of dominance. And, on the other hand, the boy who arrived with step-overs and a questionable haircut before leaving as the best player in the world.
When it comes to discussing Manchester United Legends, the fans always have a say, even if in disagreement.
United fans have been blessed with some of the greatest footballers to play in England, including George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney.
In the 33-years it has been since Eric Cantona’s influential arrival, the Frenchman is among the best players to have played for the club, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined from Sporting CP in 2003.
Eric Cantona in 1996
Photo by Stu Forster/Allsport/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
VOTE NOW for your pick between Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo
Who was the best Manchester United number 7 between these two icons?
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Eric Cantona leading Cristiano Ronaldo in vote
Via our TalkingPoints platform, United fans have been voting on whether Cantona or Ronaldo is a bigger club legend in their eyes.
It has been a close contest between the two icons, but Cantona currently leads with 56% of the vote, compared to Ronaldo on 43%.
The vote also led to several United fans expressing their feelings on both players, having idolised them over the years.
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One fan wrote: “This is tough. I grew up in the Cantona era and he just felt more transformative, he was just another level to anybody else in the league at the time. Ronaldo was a class apart too – but Cantona just had that indescribable quality that transcended everything.”
Another said: “Ronaldo due to being a kid when he arrived at United and witnessing his entire career, but Cantona was undoubtedly a better character. Cantona was The King.”
In addition, another in favour of Ronaldo added: “Cantona shaped the Fergie era at Manchester but Cristiano had a better legacy due to his individual peak of carrying United to the European double in 2007/08. So by overall legacy it’s Cristiano.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo 2021/22 graphic
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Eric Cantona vs Cristiano Ronaldo stats compared
To help settle the debate, even though that may be an impossible ask, let’s take a further look at both players and their United stats.
Cantona made 185 appearances for United, scoring 82 goals and registering 63 assists. He also won four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Ronaldo surpassed Cantona by making 346 appearances, scoring 145 goals with 73 assists. On top of that, he won three Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, and two League Cups.
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