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20 years ago today: Manchester United sign Eric Cantona

The legendary Frenchman began his trophy-laden five-year spell at Old Trafford on November 26, 1992.

UP THERE ALONGSIDE the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Roy Keane as Alex Ferguson’s greatest ever signing, an eccentric Frenchman by the name of Eric Cantona arrived at Old Trafford on November 26, 1992.

Just five years on, he would announce his retirement from the game at the age of 30 but left a lasting impression on Manchester United – the club, its trophy cabinet and the fans (who still sing his name today).

The striker, signed for a snip at £1million from then league champions Leeds, led United to four Premier League titles and two FA Cups despite missing a large chunk of 1995 through suspension after his infamous assault on a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park.

Footballer, actor, painter, philosopher… he will always be remembered as ‘The King’ by United supporters.

The King of Old Trafford
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The club has released this brilliant tribute video to mark the 20-year anniversary:

YouTube credit:  (via manutd.com)

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8 Comments
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    Mute Derek Ryan
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    Nov 26th 2012, 6:28 PM

    “I am not a man. I am Cantona.”

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    Mute Rebecca Ní Smurchú
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    Nov 26th 2012, 10:38 PM

    I remember I wrote an essay about how Cantona was my hero for school the same night he kung fu kicked that guy – before it happened.

    I still handed it up.

    Legend.

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    Mute Alan Tormey
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    Nov 26th 2012, 10:58 PM

    My favourite player of all time.. My idol… My hero

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    Mute Joseph McGranaghan
    Favourite Joseph McGranaghan
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    Nov 26th 2012, 8:54 PM

    “When seagulls follow the trawler it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea,”

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    Mute Paul Fox
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    Nov 26th 2012, 9:44 PM

    yikes this makes me feel old !!! haha

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    Mute Aidan Gill
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    Nov 26th 2012, 9:58 PM

    The guy was for the birds but a real influence on United and was cracking to watch. Didn’t excel for United in Europe which was a pity. Walked away too early.

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    Mute mick lennon
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    Nov 27th 2012, 12:17 AM

    king eric

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    Mute Joseph McGranaghan
    Favourite Joseph McGranaghan
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    Nov 26th 2012, 11:26 PM

    Just quite simply the coolest footballer ever. My absolute idol, I was only 9 when we signed him and still haven’t seen a player that just exemplified everything i think a footballer should be in quite the same way.

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