Sir Alex Ferguson says Man Utd signing was “like the messiah” in dressing room
Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Eric Cantona’s impact at Manchester United after being inducted into the Premier League’s Hall of Fame.
Ferguson’s latest honour was announced on Wednesday morning, with legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger joining him in the exclusive club. The Premier League established their Hall of Fame in 2021 and have inducted 18 former players and managers to date.
Ferguson was inducted into the Hall of Fame for helping Man Utd win a record 13 Premier League titles, but the Scot may not have achieved his remarkable success if it was not for Cantona. Ferguson believes the Frenchman was “like the messiah” for United.
Ferguson told the Premier League, “When Eric Cantona came, it was like the messiah. Players loved him. The young players loved him. His presence, his confidence, his stature.
“I always remember he came on as a sub against Manchester City for his first game at half-time and he made a six-yard pass – it was the best six-yard pass I’ve ever seen in my life! It’s something about great players, they can do something simple that looks great. he transformed the confidence factor and we deservedly won the league.”
Although Ferguson is known as one of football’s greatest ever managers, he struggled to win a league title during his early years at Old Trafford. Man Utd managed just two second-place finishes in the old First Division during Ferguson’s first six seasons in charge.
The Premier League was launched in the summer of 1992 and Ferguson was determined to win the inaugural campaign. Yet the Man Utd boss was dealt a cruel blow when Dion Dublin, his big-name summer signing, suffered a broken leg in the September.
In the days before transfer windows, that left Ferguson scrambling around for a replacement. Man Utd’s chairman Martin Edwards received a phone call from Bill Fotherby, his opposite number at Leeds, who asked if Ferguson’s left-back Denis Irwin was available.
Edwards said no and then asked about Cantona’s availability. The former Marseille forward had just helped Leeds win the old First Division title but was a maverick figure. Yet Edwards was confident Ferguson could get the best out of him.
A £1million deal was agreed (although the transfer fee was reported as £1.2m at the time to appease the Leeds fans) and the rest, as they say, is history. Cantona inspired Man Utd to four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and three Community Shields.
Cantona’s arrival was crucial to Man Utd ending their 26-year wait for a league title and cementing Ferguson’s position at Man Utd, with the legendary manager going on to win two European Cups. As such, it is no surprise he is so fond of the fabulous Frenchman.
On his induction, Ferguson added, “It’s an honour when you receive recognition like this. However, it’s not just about me as a person. It’s about the job at Manchester United and the bond we had over many years, so I’m also proud for the club, the staff and my players.”
