This article will tell you about the career highlights of Man Utd legend Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona is a former French professional footballer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. He is particularly remembered for his time playing for Manchester United in the 1990s, where he helped the team win four Premier League titles in five seasons.
Cantona was born on May 24, 1966, in Marseille, France. He began his professional career at the age of 17 with Auxerre in the French second division.
He quickly made a name for himself with his skill on the ball and his eye for goal. He was soon signed by Marseille, one of the top teams in France.
Early Career
Cantona’s time at Marseille was tumultuous. He was eventually sold to Bordeaux after a series of on-field incidents and clashes with his teammates. He spent two seasons at Bordeaux, helping the team win the French Cup in 1987, before moving to Montpellier for a season.
It was at Montpellier that Cantona really began to make his mark. He was the team’s leading scorer as they won the French league title in 1990. In addition to this, he was named the French Player of the Year for his performances.
However, Cantona’s time at Montpellier was short-lived, and he was soon on the move again.
Eric’s next destination was Nimes, but he struggled to make an impact at the club and was loaned out to Martigues in the third division. It was there that he caught the eye of Jean-Luc Lagardere, the owner of the newly-formed Paris Saint-Germain.
Lagardere signed Cantona for PSG in 1991, and the move proved to be a turning point in the player’s career. Cantona was a key player for PSG as they won the French Cup in 1993, and he was named the French Player of the Year for the second time in his career.
Mid Career
Eric Cantona’s performances at PSG attracted the attention of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. The Scottish legend was looking for a creative playmaker to add to his team. In November 1992, Cantona moved to Manchester United for a fee of £1.2 million.
Also Read: Eric Cantona’s favorite Man Utd moment
He quickly established himself as a fan favorite at Old Trafford. He helped Manchester United win their first league title in 26 years in the 1992-93 season.
Cantona was named the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year for his performances. He followed that up by winning the Premier League again the following season.
Late Career
Cantona’s most memorable moment at Manchester United came in 1995, when he scored a stunning goal against Sunderland and then launched into a kung-fu kick at a fan who had been heckling him.
Eric Cantona was banned for the rest of the season and fined £20,000, but he returned the following season to help Manchester United win the league title once again.
The French international retired from football in 1997 at the age of 31, citing a loss of motivation as his reason for quitting.
He had scored 64 goals in 143 appearances for Manchester United and he had won a number of titles with them shown below.
Life After Retirement
After retiring from football, Cantona pursued a career in acting, and he has appeared in a number of films and television shows. Eric Cantona has also become an ambassador for Manchester United and has been involved in a number of charity and humanitarian projects.
Overall, Eric Cantona’s career was marked by his skill on the ball, his creative flair, and his ability to score goals. He was a true showman on the field, and his contributions to Manchester United’s success in the 1990s will never be forgotten.
Awards & Achievements
Eric Cantona won numerous trophies throughout his career, both at the club level and internationally. Here are some of his most notable achievements:
With Marseille:
- French Division 1: 1989
With Montpellier:
- French Division 1: 1990
With Paris Saint-Germain:
- French Cup: 1993
With Manchester United:
- Premier League: 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97
- FA Cup: 1994, 1996
- Football League Cup: 1992
Individual awards:
- French Player of the Year: 1991, 1992
- Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year: 1994
- Premier League Player of the Season: 1993–94
- Premier League PFA Team of the Year: 1993–94, 1994–95
- Premier League Goal of the Season: 1992–93, 1995–96
Cantona’s contributions to Manchester United’s success in the 1990s were crucial. He is remembered as one of the greatest players to have played for the club.
His skill, creativity, and flair on the pitch made him a fan favorite. Moreover, his achievements with the club helped establish Manchester United as a dominant force in English football.
