Next Game

A-League All Stars v Man Utd

Saturday, 20 July 2013, 16:00

Friendly Match

The Hawthorns

Last Game

West Brom 5 - 5 Man Utd

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Ferguson likens RvP to Cantona

Robin van Persie's influence at Manchester United can be compared to the striking transformation brought by the signing of Eric Cantona, according to manager Alex Ferguson.

Last Updated: 26/12/12 at 14:08 Post Comment   

Eric Cantona: Transformed the United side when signing from Leeds in 1992

Eric Cantona: Transformed the United side when signing from Leeds in 1992

The former Arsenal talisman has scored 15 goals since signing for United, drawing similarities with Frenchman Cantona, whose arrival at Old Trafford was the catalyst in which they claimed the league title for the first time in 26 years.

Ferguson said: "I reckon here at Manchester United we got our Christmas present early - right at the start of the season in fact when Robin van Persie arrived at Old Trafford.

"I am reluctant to subscribe to the cult of an individual because I firmly believe the essence of a successful football team depends on teamwork, and neither are we a one-man team, but sometimes there really is a situation where you are lucky enough to find the last piece of the jigsaw."

Cantona was signed from Leeds United for £1.2million in 1992, with Ferguson's side lagging in eighth place, but he galvanised the team who went on to win the 1993 title by ten points- the first of Ferguson's 12 Premier League crowns.

"We did it when we brought Eric Cantona to Old Trafford where he proved to be the right player at the right club at the right time," Ferguson said.

"He became the catalyst and springboard for our surge to success.

"It doesn't have to be signing someone for a record fee. Cristiano Ronaldo was not a record buy either but he certainly made a difference as he prospered with us to the extent that he came to be regarded by a lot of people as the world's best player."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

ve heard his older brother might be joining as part of the deal too... Roland.

wezmond
West Ham sign defender Rat

I

think it's time anyway. That hat must smell awful by now. Time for a change and a rinse

levi
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

A

manager's job is to manage? or have I missed something here? PDC is in charge of our players, not Gordon Taylor. Move along here, nothing to see.

TheGuru
PFA: Cats players have complained

Footer 365

Boateng signs Fulham deal

Ghana international midfielder Derek Boateng has announced he has signed a two-year deal at Fulham.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay insists he will not join Everton

Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has played down talk linking him with the vacancy at Everton.

Pardew set for crunch Toon talks

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is due to sit down with owner Mike Ashley on Wednesday to discuss the way forward.

Mail Box

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved