10 Greatest Manchester United players of all time

#5 Eric Cantona (1992-97)

Major Honours Won: 6

The final piece of the puzzle that secured League success in 1992-93

Manchester United's signing of Eric Cantona came about completely by chance but it was a slice of luck which completed the jigsaw puzzle from turning United from title contenders to Champions.

This occurred when then-Leeds Chairman, Bill Fotherby had contacted then-Manchester United Chairman, Martin Edwards, to enquire about the availability of United left-back, Denis Irwin.

Irwin was unavailable but Edwards, backed by Ferguson enquired about Leeds striker, Cantona and the rest is history.

Cantona slotted into the team seamlessly and formed a formidable partnership up front with Mark Hughes. United lost just two league matches following his arrival and finally brought the League title back to Old Trafford after a long 26 year wait.

Such was the Midas touch of Cantona, United were even better the following season, as the team secured their first ever league and FA Cup Double. The man dubbed “The King” by fans, Cantona top scored with 26 goals in all competitions including a brace in the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.

It is notable that the only year in which United did not win the Premier League title during Cantona’s tenure, was 1994-95, the season in which he spent the final three months suspended, following a “Kung-Fu” kick on a Crystal Palace supporter.

Undoubtedly, the lowest point of Cantona’s career which had seen its fair share of controversy, his actions were more far-reaching than football. Cantona was sentenced to two weeks in prison which was quickly overturned on appeal and he instead served 120 hours of community service.

When Cantona returned, it was two months into a season that will forever remain engrained in the memories of all fans. 1995-96 saw the club win the “Double Double”, named as such as it was their second in three seasons.

The FA Cup Final on May 11, 1996 epitomised Cantona. As a drab game neared full time, the always alert Cantona, provided a piece of magic when he exploited a David James goalkeeping error to hit an expertly taken half volley to earn the FA Cup for United with a 1-0 win. Cantona captained the team that day and held the famous trophy aloft at Wembley. The comeback was complete.

Cantona's final season at United was not as successful but the Frenchman still contributed, playing 50 times and scoring 15 goals.

Nevertheless, despite his fading influence, the announcement in May 1997 shocked the football world. Cantona retired from football, days before his 31st birthday.

Despite only spending five years at Old Trafford, few players hold the cult status that “King Eric” enjoys at the Theatre of Dreams. That is testament to his talent.