Four league trophies, two FA Cups, a flock of seagulls and a controversial trawler later, Alex Ferguson reflected on a deal done well
In late November 1992, Leeds United boss Howard Wilkinson was looking to strengthen his squad. Australian left-back Tony Dorigo was only 26 but he was turning 27 on New Year’s Eve and not getting any younger, for pity’s sake. Charles and Eddie were constantly on the radio with their No.1 smash ‘Would I Lie to You?’
Wilko’s Leeds had pipped rivals Manchester United to the Barclays League Division One trophy but were struggling to retain it. They had won just five of their 15 Premiership games and had been dumped out of the European Cup by Glasgow Rangers. Talisman Eric Cantona had started the season with a glut of goals but his form had tapered off as the season neared the mid-point.
The Leeds gaffer picked up his office phone and gave Alex Ferguson a call at the Red Devil’s Carrington training ground. Wilkinson wanted left-back Denis Irwin but Ferguson guffawed the request away. Twelve minutes later and the two men had agreed, in principle, on a deal to bring Cantona to Old Trafford.
Ferguson got Martin Edwards to loosen United’s purse strings and Cantona was signed for £1.2m. Speaking, years later, about his move across the Pennines, Cantona declared, ‘It’s like with a woman: sometimes you can’t find love, sometimes you can, but it’s still not right, you want more, you want to give, you want to receive.’
United went on to win their first league title in 26 years and Cantona was the inspiration, scoring nine goals in 22 appearances. Leeds finished 17th. The Frenchman was in sensational form the following season as he helped United to a league and cup double and picked up the PFA Player of the Year award.
Here are some of Cantona’s highlights from his five seasons at Old Trafford:
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