What if Leeds didnt sell Eric Cantona to Manchester United?

What if Leeds didnt sell Eric Cantona to Manchester United?
talkSPORT.com looks at key moments infootballhistory, where events could so easily have taken a different course and asks, what if? Here, we ponder what if Leeds United had not sold Eric Cantona to bitter rivals Man United

The story

Cantona and Man United were a perfect fit. His arrival for 1.2m on 26 November, 1992, coincided with them winning their first four Premier League titles, where they hadpreviously gone 26 years without finishing top of the old First Division.Not only did Cantona’s presence influence matters on the pitch, ithad a great effect on the younger players emerging from the famed United youth system. Theyall wanted to impress the Frenchman and their skills and attributes werehoned under the talismanic forward’s watchful eye on the training ground.I remember Erics first day, and after the training session had finished he asked for a goalkeeper, two players from the junior team who were still there, and a few footballs, Sir Alex Ferguson once explained.4

Sir Alex Ferguson says Cantona’s commitment to training was second to none

When word got around that it was because the club’s new number sevenwanted extra practice, the manager revealed that, little by little, more players began turningup and following his example. That was all because of Cantonas work ethic and influence, Fergie added.Just before he became a Man United player, Cantona had been a member albeit briefly of the well-oiled Leeds side that pipped the Red Devils to the 1991/92 title.However, despite him scoring a hat-trick in the 1992 Charity Shield against Liverpool at Wembley, then bagging the first ever Premier Leaguehat-trick against Tottenham, Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson clashed with his skilful striker. It was a situation that would prove a godsend for the other United.Ask any Man United fan who saw Cantona play and they will tell you he was a joy to watch. As a showman, he loved walking onto the Old Trafford pitch with his collar up as thousands screamed his name. He lapped it up.4

Cantona is one of the best loved players in Man United’s history

That wasnt the Wilkinson way.He wanted his players to be disciplined and adhere to a certain team pattern. Eric just didn’t fit it, former Leeds chairman Bill Fotherby told manutd.com.So, as the 1992/93 season moved into the autumn, United were struggling for results and needed a forward after summer signing Dion Dublin had broken his leg.In a conversation with Man United chairman Martin Edwards, Ferguson lamented the fact that he had missed out on signing Cantona earlier in the year. Then the phone rang. It was Fotherby, enquiring whether the Red Devils’ full-back Denis Irwin was for sale.He wasn’t, but Edwards asked if Leeds would consider selling their star striker: Lee Chapman. In the background, Ferguson frantically motioned for Edwards to ask about the availability of a different player. In the end, he scribbled the name ‘Cantona’ on a piece of paper and shoved it under Edwards’ nose.4

In addition to four Premier League titles, Cantona also won two FA Cups with United

Within an hour the deal was on,a1.2m fee was agreed and Leeds had effectively handed their rivals a player who transformed the landscape of English football in Man United’s favour.The Elland Road faithful had loved him. Theres no doubt it was a source of frustration he was sold to them for such a small amount. The fact that, as reigning English champions, their fortunesplummeted just as Cantona’s and Man United’s soared, made it hard to swallow.The Frenchman made his Red Devils debut in December 1992 and started a further 21 games, scoring nine goals in what was the beginning of a golden period for the club. In addition, Ooh ahh, Cantona quickly caught on at Old Trafford and a hero was born.I played with him for two full seasons and we won a title both times, the first of them almost single-handedly down to him, Gary Neville, who broke into the senior side during the Cantona era, said.Fergie, one of his biggest fans, seems toagree. “It was his mere presence and his ability to make and score goals, he said.Cantona’s decision to retire in May 1997at the age of 30 stunned everyone and it also left a massive hole up front, as Arsenal won the double while they finished trophyless.

But what if Leeds didnt sell him to Man United?

Remember, he didnt fit in at Leeds, so it seems highly doubtful that, had Cantona stayed at Elland Road, he would have inspired them to a period of domination.He had proven difficult to handle for a number of managers, and even a recommendation to Wilkinson from Cantona’s former national team manager, Michel Platini,came with a warning about his reputation.Ferguson, though, was well aware of this and still decided the gamble was worth it. The esteem in which he held Cantona in is not an exaggeration, and as important as the Frenchman was to Man United’s success, it’s doubtful he would have flourished as well without Ferguson’s guiding hand.If Leeds hadn’t sent him to Old Trafford, it is not outlandish to think the Frenchman would have spent the next few years bouncing around clubs and falling out with everyone who crossed his path, as he previously had done.Fergie described him as the perfect player, in the perfect club at the perfect time, while Bill Fotherby believes the Old Trafford supremo wasnt as strict as Wilkinson was, which allowed Cantona more freedom as a result.Would another manager have indulged Cantona as much?Its doubtful he would have joined someone like Arsenal – league winners in 1991 – considering it was an era when the equally strict Gunners boss George Graham was buying functional players like John Jensen and replacing skilful Anders Limpar with Eddie McGoldrick.Graeme Souness at Anfield, meanwhile, was offered Cantona in 1991 but opted against signing a problem player, saving his cash instead for subsequent flops including Paul Stewart (1992) and Nigel Clough (1993).4

With such swagger, United fans will tell you he was born to play for the club and they still refer to him as ‘King Eric’

The main beneficiaries had Cantona not been sold to Man United would have been Aston Villa.When Cantona joined, United were eighth, seven points off the pace, having lost four games. After his arrival the team won 18, drew six and lost just two, en route to the title.Without Cantona, it’s quite likely Villa – who pushed the Red Devils hard in 1992/93 – would have finished top of the pile.In fact, Cantona won the championship every year bar one between his arrival in England in 1992 and his retirement in 1997.The only season he failed to picked up a title winner’s medal was in 1994/95, when United missed out by failing to beat West Ham in their final game – Cantona was absent having been suspended from the end of January and, in all probability, would have been the difference between winning and losing.As always, this is just subjective because nobody can really know what may or may not have happened (we have to point this out because people take it seriously) but it’s a pretty interestingthought or a frightening one if you’re a Red.Sometimes people just move to a certain club at a certain time and become something they would never have been anywhere else, Fotherby said.

MORE

What if Alex Ferguson didn’t win the FA Cup in 1990?What if QPR were able to stop Liverpool’s European Cup domination before it began?What if Dennis Bergkamp had scored his penalty against Man United in 1999?What if Gazza joined Man United instead of Spurs?

---

As Eamon Dunphy, journalist and ex-Manchester United youth player, puts it: 'Joe was a delightful man with a shrewd mind and an instinctive grasp of the human condition. Women liked him. He was kindly yet flirtatious 27 JACK & BOBBY in a comforting way. Mothers were apt to be apprehensive about big city life with all its temptations.
Full text of "Michael Cox The Mixer" - archive.org

---

Unai Emery has claimed the injury sustained by Arsenal's Hector Bellerin is "not positive on first impression" after the right-back was carried off during the 2-0 victory over Chelsea. Bellerin, 23, was take off on a stretcher on 72 minutes after suffering the knee injury at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp on why Liverpool's first thought isn't to attack

---

ASTON VILLA are interested in bringing Gary Cahill back for a reunion with ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry. Cahill, 33, is available on a free transfer and Dean Smith will consider landing the veteran for the Villans' return to the Premier League.
Aston Villa want to reunite Chelsea outcast Gary Cahill with
celebritywshow.com/sport/aston-villa-want-to-reunite-chelsea-outcast-gary-cahill-with-john-terry-on-free-transfer-after-premier-league-promotion/
ASTON VILLA are interested in bringing Gary Cahill back for a reunion with ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry. Cahill, 33, is available on a free transfer and Dean Smith will consider landing the veteran for the Villans' return to the Premier
Aston Villa seeking summer capture of Gary Cahill

---

Liverpool have scrapped their pre-season friendly with Schalke after discovering they will play on the opening night of the 2019/20 Premier League season. The Reds were due to host the Bundesliga side at Anfield on August 6, but they have been handed a Friday night league clash against Norwich three days later on August 9.
Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils 'reject' chance

---

Fantasy Premier League tips: Transfer advice for Gameweek 29, including Chelsea and Sport Fantasy Premier League tips: Transfer advice for Gameweek 29, including Chelsea and Manchester United stars, plus some bargains
Fantasy Premier League tips: Transfer advice for Gameweek 29
hollywoodadviser.com/fantasy-premier-league-tips-transfer-advice-for-gameweek-29-including-chelsea-and-manchester-united-stars-plus-some-bargains/
Fantasy Premier League tips: Transfer advice for Gameweek 29, including Chelsea and Manchester United stars, plus some bargains including Arsenal next week.
Fantasy Premier League tips: Transfers you should make in

---

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened Manchester United's doors to Paul Scholes after the midfielder quit as Oldham manager by text message just 31 days into the job. The 44-year-old signed an 18
Paul Ince fears what would happen if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got

---

Arsenal suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Belarusian champions BATE Borisov in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash. And to make matter worse, Alexandre Lacazette will miss the return leg after he was sent off for a flailing elbow in the game's closing stages.
BATE Borisov 1-0 Arsenal: Ten-man Gunners handed shock defeat

---

A faster way to search the web. Toggle navigation. Share:

---

JASON MCATEER and former Liverpool teammate Michael Owen were involved in a major bust-up during a six-a-side legends match between Ireland and England. The incident occurred at the Star Sixes tournament broadcast on Sky Sports last Sunday January 6th during a full-blooded encounter between the two rival nations.
~ Michael Owen should've been BANNED for Star Sixes final

---

BATE Borisov 1-0 Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette to miss second

---

The Champions League is set for nine rule changes next season. Tottenham Hotspur face Liverpool in the final of the competition on June 1 and one of those nine rule changes will be in place for
Nine Champions League and Europa League rule changes to

---

football live streaming apps for iphone
champions league live stream juventus vs valencia
premier league live streaming reddit
uefa champions league draw live streaming youtube
uefa champions league live streaming ten sports
uefa champions league draw live streaming free online
live streaming champions league hari ini
premier league live streaming ronaldo 7
premier league live stream singapore
champions league games live streaming free
champions league live stream psg vs real madrid
paok aek champions league live streaming
premier league live streaming now
champions league watch live canada
live streaming premier league liverpool vs burnley
premier league games live stream reddit
english premier league live streaming manchester united
football live streaming apk
uefa champions league live streaming barcelona vs psg
football live streaming barcelona
football live streaming in english
caribbean premier league live streaming in india
dhaka premier league 2018 live streaming
juventus tottenham champions league live streaming
premier league live streaming india free
champions league final live streaming ten sports
champions league live stream app android
liverpool psg champions league live streaming
live football streaming justin tv
olympiakos juventus champions league live streaming
premier league live stream japan
football live streaming sites india
champions league qualification live streaming
uefa champions league live video streaming free
pakistan premier league live streaming 2018
sky sports champions league live streaming
jamaica premier league live streaming
champions league live stream juventus vs barcelona
premier league live streaming hd free
english premier league live streaming youtube
mumbai premier league live streaming channels
real madrid vs juventus champions league live streaming
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online reddit
watch premier league live streaming online free
champions league final live streaming online
mumbai premier league 2019 live streaming
liverpool man city champions league live streaming
champions league live streaming in usa
canadian premier league live streaming
ofc champions league live streaming
champions league live streaming hotstar
champions league final live streaming english
indian premier league 2018 ipl t20 live streaming
liverpool champions league live streaming
premier league darts live stream reddit
uefa champions league quarter final draw live streaming in india
bangladesh premier league live video streaming
premier league live streaming subscription
premier league live stream liverpool vs crystal palace
champions league live streaming tv
champions league live stream goal
man city vs liverpool champions league live streaming
live streaming of premier league football
champions league live streaming radio
premier league live stream china
star sports champions league live streaming
liverpool vs man city champions league live streaming
champions league live streaming india free
ten sports champions league live streaming
real madrid champions league live streaming free
champions league live streaming sony
streaming liverpool arsenal live gratuit premier league
champions league final live streaming online india
saurashtra premier league live streaming
champions league live streaming real madrid vs bayern munich
tamil nadu premier league live streaming online
english premier league live streaming
free english premier league live streaming youtube
champions league live stream juventus vs atletico madrid
premier league live stream vipbox
premier league live streaming match
football live streaming hd
champions league live streaming websites
watch premier league live stream hd
world snooker champions league live streaming
uefa champions league live streaming reddit
champions league live streaming now
champions league live streaming indonesia
live premier league streaming ps4
premier league live streaming free india
premier league live net stream channel
juventus champions league live streaming
paok aek basket champions league live streaming
premier league live stream burnley
caf champions league live streaming
bangladesh premier league live streaming gazi tv
premier league live streaming usa free
champions league live streaming switzerland
free uefa champions league live streaming hotstar
football live streaming tv apk download
champions league live streaming gratuit
live streaming uefa champions league bein sport
premier league live stream vpn
live premier league streaming man utd
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online youtube
scottish premier league live streaming free
juventus vs manchester united champions league live streaming
afc champions league jdt live streaming
champions league draw live stream eurosport
football live streaming india vs kenya
premier league live stream west ham
isl premier league live streaming free
hong kong premier league live streaming
champions league final live streaming hd
uefa champions league real madrid vs psg live streaming
juventus vs tottenham champions league live streaming
football live streaming tv app
champions league live stream vip
indian football premier league live streaming
#ChampionsLeague #fifa #BayernMunchen #pogba #manchestercity #sanchez #tottenham #manutd #salah #liverpool #soccer #hakimziyech #manchester #footballmemes #Football #Chelsea #futbolmexicano #mufc #transfers #Instagood #courtois #Mancity #beinsportsusa #ajaxamsterdam #skysports #durhamregion #Ajax #pickering #zinedinezidane #england #LeoMessi #realmadrid #barcelona #telemundodeportes #CristianoRonaldo #ajax #Ronaldo #amrabat #goals #RealMadrid #Ronaldo #univisiondeportes #deporte #degea #premierleague #Rooney #Soccer #championsleague #futbol #Futbol #espndeportes #meme #laliga #football #foxsports #sports #Bale #ucl #Like4Like #oshawa #Barcelona #Messi #likes4likes #Casillas #nike