That Wimbledon goal immediately after it sums him up. Perfect first touch, twats it top corner and then just stands there as if it was just one of those things. An absolute god.
Eric Cantona appreciation thread
- Thread starter Jim Beam
- Start date
That Wimbledon goal immediately after it sums him up. Perfect first touch, twats it top corner and then just stands there as if it was just one of those things. An absolute god.
Who?
In the 1995/96 season Newcastle were at one point 12 points clear of us at the top of the league..........then Cantona happened in March. Single-handedly won us 13 points in little over a calendar month.
All goals in videos are time-stamped.
March 4 - Newcastle 0-1 Man Utd - Cantona scores only goal.
March 16 - QPR 1-1 Man Utd - Cantona (90th min equalizer).
March 20 - Arsenal 0-1 Man Utd - Cantona scores only goal.
March 24 - Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham - Cantona scores only goal.
April 8 - Man Utd 1-0 Coventry - Cantona scores only goal.
All goals in videos are time-stamped.
March 4 - Newcastle 0-1 Man Utd - Cantona scores only goal.
March 16 - QPR 1-1 Man Utd - Cantona (90th min equalizer).
March 20 - Arsenal 0-1 Man Utd - Cantona scores only goal.
March 24 - Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham - Cantona scores only goal.
April 8 - Man Utd 1-0 Coventry - Cantona scores only goal.
Retiring when he did just added to his aura for me. Loved growing up in the 90s. Eric Cantona was my first hero.
Same, what a decade to grow up in and no better hero than King Eric.
Life seemed perfect back then. No mobile phones or social media, or stress, it was a slower pace, even the summers seemed longer.
Ahhhh the 90’s, computer games and football was all I needed, the soundtrack to the decade was awesome as well.
Same, what a decade to grow up in and no better hero than King Eric.
Life seemed perfect back then. No mobile phones or social media, or stress, it was a slower pace, even the summers seemed longer.
Ahhhh the 90’s, computer games and football was all I needed, the soundtrack to the decade was awesome as well.
My memories of the 90s are as colourful, bright and vivid as the clothes I likely wore in that decade too.
Yup same here
Curtains haircut, Kappa tracksuits and Reebok classics... the scousers never left the 90’s.
Yup same here
Curtains haircut, Kappa tracksuits and Reebok classics... the scousers never left the 90’s.
I remember when Beckham had the curtains with blonde highlights. I ended up paying 50 quid and had mine done just like it. Thought I was IT.What was those jeans? Eclipse?
Hah yeah, I remember shaving my head when Becks did.
What was those jeans? Eclipse?
Yeah eclipse aka Spliffy. Proper 90’s them.
It really was a great decade. We had just the right amount of technology. I miss them days.Same, what a decade to grow up in and no better hero than King Eric.
Life seemed perfect back then. No mobile phones or social media, or stress, it was a slower pace, even the summers seemed longer.
Ahhhh the 90’s, computer games and football was all I needed, the soundtrack to the decade was awesome as well.
Euro 96. The beatles vs blur, Kevin keegan's meltdown, and no covid. Take me back.
Eric was class and in a class of his own.
Like trying to pick a favourite film, it's impossible for me to nail down anyone as my all time favourite, but Eric was simply out there in a league of his own. He is truly a creative genius. An artist. Flamboyant and outspoken he goes his own way with no doubt, and no regret (I like to think...). From a town like Marseille where men were men, he could look after himself easily in the English league and gave as good as he got. But he always did it with style. Utterly bonkers, I love him.
(wanted to post a picture of him but I'm not allowed)
(wanted to post a picture of him but I'm not allowed)
Such an underrated player, from 92-96 he was the best player in the Premier League when he scored 67 goals in 135 games in all competitions and was one of the best players in Europe which is easily forgotten. Just not the same player in 96-97 despite only aged 30, clearly lost a bit of interest and had was carrying more weight then he did in the previous year. Its a shame as Eric could easily have played on at United for a few more years as his replacement Sheringham was older then him.
I barely remember Eric missing a change prior to his last season, so many of the goals he score weren't even chances.
He was captain of France when he was sent off that night at Palace, if he'd played at Euro 96 I suspect they'd have won it had Cantona played and would have led to him been revered more on the international scene.
I barely remember Eric missing a change prior to his last season, so many of the goals he score weren't even chances.
He was captain of France when he was sent off that night at Palace, if he'd played at Euro 96 I suspect they'd have won it had Cantona played and would have led to him been revered more on the international scene.
Whether it’s my all time favourite footballers or United XI, Cantona is always first on the list. He gave the team and fans something that no other player has or probably ever could.
He won the league in every season he completed in England, 5 out of 5. Would have been 6 out of 6 if not for the ban.
In one of Manchester's iconic pubs for reopening today.
The best.
Legend.. what a man.
Looks like he's judging you for choosing 1664 in the second picture.
Still the best shoes. By far.Yup same here
Curtains haircut, Kappa tracksuits and Reebok classics... the scousers never left the 90’s.
He’s my favourite player ever. I remember all the kids in my school used to pop their school collars (even kids who didn’t support Utd) when we played football together and all tried to do audacious volleys or long ranged chips like he specialised in.
Objectively, he was phenomenal throughout his time at Utd apart from his last season where I recall a decline was noticeable.
The day he retired was a massive news story and was the same level of coverage as when Sir Alex retired from memory. I remember CBBC that day being Cantona-centric.
Objectively, he was phenomenal throughout his time at Utd apart from his last season where I recall a decline was noticeable.
The day he retired was a massive news story and was the same level of coverage as when Sir Alex retired from memory. I remember CBBC that day being Cantona-centric.
The only criticism I can make of Cantona is that he wasnt as effective in Europe. He did seem t find himself with his back to goal and not as much space.
But in terms of all time premiership greats and Utd greats from my lifetime, he should be one of the very fist names on the list. Though it was four seasons, £1m for what seemed at the time a very strange signing, has to be one of the best pieces of business of all time.
We were a very good side that hadnt won the league for a long time and just seemed to be missing something. And boy, it was Cantona. His part in the history of this club can not be under stated. The missing link in the 95 side that threaded everything together, the pied piper that so helped the fledglings come through. The grace, touch, collars up even the attitude, vicousness, quotes, kicking of the fan, just everything about him. If it wasnt for Cantona I really dont think we would have had the dominant period we did, his effect on our club and side lasted far longer than those four years....fully deserving of still having his name sung regularly, just monumental in our history
But in terms of all time premiership greats and Utd greats from my lifetime, he should be one of the very fist names on the list. Though it was four seasons, £1m for what seemed at the time a very strange signing, has to be one of the best pieces of business of all time.
We were a very good side that hadnt won the league for a long time and just seemed to be missing something. And boy, it was Cantona. His part in the history of this club can not be under stated. The missing link in the 95 side that threaded everything together, the pied piper that so helped the fledglings come through. The grace, touch, collars up even the attitude, vicousness, quotes, kicking of the fan, just everything about him. If it wasnt for Cantona I really dont think we would have had the dominant period we did, his effect on our club and side lasted far longer than those four years....fully deserving of still having his name sung regularly, just monumental in our history
The king himself!
I still wear air max 90s every time
We are already in the vintage times and it's only going stronger.
He was well known for frequenting the city centre pubs when he was a player and mixing with the fans.
https://www.fanchants.com/football-songs/manchester_united-chants/ooh-aah-cantona/
Eric Cantona is just a magnificent human being. He makes no apologies for who he is, someone who does what he wants and speaks his mind. Eric is someone I looked up to as a child, and still do as an adult nearing my 40s
Eric Cantona is just a magnificent human being. He makes no apologies for who he is, someone who does what he wants and speaks his mind. Eric is someone I looked up to as a child, and still do as an adult nearing my 40s
There are class footballers, cool guys, and then there is the King, effortlessly stylish, arrogant to the point of charming, silky on the pitch, simply the best there has ever been. Forget Portuguese pretty boys, spud faced scousers, corrupt argentine shortarses, none are fit to kneel before the king
Eric is just cool as feck.
Because he's not here to impress anyone. He is his own man.
Unlike say someone like that try-hard Zlatan who chats so much cheesey shit to gain attention... I think he is insecure.
Because he's not here to impress anyone. He is his own man.
Unlike say someone like that try-hard Zlatan who chats so much cheesey shit to gain attention... I think he is insecure.
If I had the choice of 3 signed shirts I'd pick Cantona, Messi and Zidane in that order.
Maybe not a GOAT in the true sense of the word but his aura as a footballer and person is as unique as they come. There can only be one and that one is Cantona.
Maybe not a GOAT in the true sense of the word but his aura as a footballer and person is as unique as they come. There can only be one and that one is Cantona.
Haha i just watched the highlights from our 0:4 win at Leeds in 96/97. Cantonas celebration direct in front of the Leeds fans after scoring Uniteds fourth was hilarious and made me laugh out loud.
Too bad i was too young to experience him in our shirt.
Too bad i was too young to experience him in our shirt.
You’d be insecure too if you were 6’5”, good looking and highly skilled at football but not be named Cantona
Yeah, I remember that like it was yesterday. Considering how hated he was after he moved to United, it took some balls to pull that. Full on gloating in front of the entire stand
What a player he was.
Truly was a glorious moment.Yeah, I remember that like it was yesterday. Considering how hated he was after he moved to United, it took some balls to pull that. Full on gloating in front of the entire stand
What a player he was.
Great memories.
Cantona, the reason I became a United fan
Absolute legend.
My only footballing hero.
The King. I can’t think of any other player who had such an impact on and off the field.