Watching Manchester United players play under Sir Alex Ferguson was like watching the British Army serve under Winston Churchill. The iconic Scot commanded respect just from the sheer aura he gave off while shouting out orders from the Old Trafford dugout.
Ferguson wasn't just successful at United, he was the heartbeat of the club, who knew what this proud club from the Northwest of England represented. He wouldn't accept anyone who didn't put the team first, which led to several high-profile names departing, including Roy Keane and David Beckham.
There hasn't been any individual, even at board level, who has garnered the respect of the club's fan base, players, and even rival managers as much as Sir Alex. But there was one player whom the Scotsman dropped his usual strict disciplinary act for because he believed he was meant to play for the Red Devils.
Ferguson On All-Time Great 'Made For Man United'
He was Fergie's Red Devils messiah
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Manchester United have always possessed one or two world-class individuals, even in their darkest periods. Bruno Fernandes was nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Season award in the club's worst-ever campaign in 2024-25.
The list of incredible talent that has graced Old Trafford is endless, and all were usually kept in line by Ferguson during his legendary reign. Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Ryan Giggs were just three of his shining stars, who were part of teams he assembled to adapt to different eras of Premier League football.
There's no telling whether United would have been as dominant during the Scot's 26 seasons in charge without pulling off the controversial signing of Eric Cantona in November 1992. It was not only one of the most significant signings in the Reds' history, but also in the history of English football.
Cantona was a revelation, largely thanks to Fergie's understanding that he was a one-in-a-million talent. He knew he was the missing piece of his top-flight puzzle (via FourFourTwo):
"If ever there was one player, anywhere in the world, that was made for Manchester United, it was Cantona."
Cantona's confidence was never lost on Ferguson, who wouldn't accept the slightest of petulance or tomfoolery. But it was evident from the moment the enigmatic Frenchman walked through the door that this was something different, something special:
"He swaggered in, stuck his chest out, raised his head and surveyed everything as though he were asking: 'I'm Cantona. How big are you? Are you big enough for me?"
Cantona spent four and a half seasons at United, becoming the King of the Premier League and a game-changer for the Red Devils. He fired Fergie's men to four titles and two FA Cups, doing so with a swagger that few have been able to replicate.
"When I think football, I think Manchester United," Cantona later said. "I still support United and always will. I will die with them in my heart - Eric Cantona (via FourtFourTwo).
While there were controversies, not least his eight-month ban for a kung-fu kick on a fan, he was one of the most captivating players to watch. His maverick aura was fitting for the club that had arrogantly dominated during Ferguson's regime.
Sir Bobby Charlton said 'Unique' Cantona was Irreplaceable
Mr Man United gave a glowing verdict after the Frenchman retired
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Cantona called time on his career in May 1997 after firing United to fourth Premier League title in five years. He finished that campaign with 11 goals and 12 assists in 36 league games.
The Frenchman's decision came as a surprise as he was only 30 at the time, and he claimed it was because he'd lost his love for the game. The Red Devils were forced to find a replacement, a mission impossible according to one of their all-time greats, Sir Bobby Charlton.
The 1996 World Cup winner was working as a board member and responded to Cantona's retirement back in May 1997 (via SCMP):
"I'm working very closely with [United manager] Alex Ferguson [to find a replacement]. But he won't be fully replaced because he was a unique player."
Eric Cantona's Man United Career
Appearances:
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The late Charlton had a similar impact during his playing days at Old Trafford and knew what it meant to be a United icon. His assessment of Cantona tells the story of his everlasting legacy at the Theatre of Dreams.