5 most polarising players of all time in the Premier League

Soccer - FA Barclays Premiership - Manchester United v Newcastle United - Old Trafford : News Photo
Roy Keane was one of the most polarising figures in the Premier League

#3 Eric Cantona – Manchester United

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 28:  Eric Cantona of  Manchester United holds off the challenge of Scott Gemmill of Forest during an FA Carling Premiership match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on April 28, 1996 in Manchester, England,  Manchester United won the match 5-0  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Allsport/Getty Images)
Cantona – the French maverick who inspired United’s 1990s success

In 1992 when Sir Alex Ferguson forked out £1 million to sign Leeds United forward, Eric Cantona, the footballing world sniggered at the prospect of United failing once again with a big money transfer move.

Ultimately, the French maverick proved to be the inspiration and catalyst behind the club's success over the next half-decade as he managed to secure four league titles in just five seasons.

The only Premier League title failing occurred in 1994/1995 when Cantona was suspended for six months due to the infamous kung-fu kick of a fan at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park.

Cantona's arrogance including his symbolic lifted collar saw supporters divided in their opinion. To United fans, he was an icon, and as mentioned, a catalyst for their success as Ferguson even provided him with favourable treatment at times.

Nonetheless, opposition supporters were divided on whether they hated Cantona or loved his French swagger.

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