1996

[chiff]

As is common at this time of year, Sky roll out "The Premiership Years", and I just caught the March onwards bit of the Newcastle Collapse" season. Although it's only 10 years ago, I'd forgotten a couple of things. Firstly SAF's magnificent mind games that saw Kevin Keegan completely lose it live on TV ( although what a sportsman in his congratulations when we won the league!!!). But secondly , and it's particularly appropriate this weekend with the impending demise of Zidane, the performances of Eric Cantona.
I'd never really appreciated him. Crystal Palace is still the thing that he will be remembered for and that is such a pity. The sheer majesty of the genius is there for all to see in that season. It was a peculiarly "open play" season with all the teams seemingly hell bent on football and, of course, that suited him so much. But boy did he love it. It was probably his peak and like most of his kind, even a slight imperfection brings about frustration. And that spells decline. He was right to retire early - perhaps he should have gone even earlier - but silly as it may seem, he has gone up in my estimation now - 10 years later.
And the first thing that McClaren should do is get a copy of thevideo showing Eric's penalty against City. And sit the scouser and Fat Frank in front of it for a month and say -"That's how a class player takes a penalty. If you're as good as you think, that's what you have to achieve". Arrogance, confidence, skill, all in one brief moment. Boy how much things have changed!!!!

[mentalred]

Why did you not appreciate him at the time? he was pure genious! you don't seem to remember 96 very well and

[chiff]

mentalred said:

Why did you not appreciate him at the time? he was pure genious! you don't seem to remember 96 very well and

Of course I realised he was a very good player. But you say he was "pure genius". Compared to who? You were 10 in 1996 and no more capable of judging him than flying to the moon. You MIGHT have noticed that I mentioned Zidane, because by the world, and not just at OT, he is generally regarded as probably the best player of the last ten years. And I happen to believe that possibly Eric was as good. He was not recognised as such outside OT - in fact not even in his home country was he particularly well regarded. That was the point I was making - that by examining today's footballers one can review the performance of players like Eric more clearly.

[Dizzy]

"I tell you something, I will love it we beat them."

[Scott]

Hmm, in 1996 I was 13, so maybe this just doesnt apply to me? But I was in love with him, as much as a straight man can be before turning gay lol. I idolised him, I had posters of him all around my wall... I was at Old Trafford to see a few of his GREAT goals (my favourite being one against Arsenal, which dipped just under the bar over Seaman's hand ) and he really was a joy to watch.

Many non-United fans may remember the Crystal Palace incident more strongly, but I dont think there will be many United fans who will agree with "Crystal Palace is still the thing that he will be remembered for".

[chiff]

admin said:

Hmm, in 1996 I was 13, so maybe this just doesnt apply to me? But I was in love with him, as much as a straight man can be before turning gay lol. I idolised him, I had posters of him all around my wall... I was at Old Trafford to see a few of his GREAT goals (my favourite being one against Arsenal, which dipped just under the bar over Seaman's hand ) and he really was a joy to watch.

Many non-United fans may remember the Crystal Palace incident more strongly, but I dont think there will be many United fans who will agree with "Crystal Palace is still the thing that he will be remembered for".

Absolutely. But you're confusing idolotry with assessment of skills. Favourite record of all time. Ask me and you'll almost certainly get one that mentalred has never heard of. Ask him, and I'll never have heard of that either. So if you've never seen Eric, you might think that Beckham is a genius.
I idolise Ruud. Genius he is not, but if I were 13 it would be his picture. Instead, my pictures were of Albert Quixall, George and Bobby and David Herd. It's great that so many hold Eric in such high regard. One thing that is undisputable is that he was the best transfer deal EVER.
I think that I was surprised that after only 10 years, that era had slipped into the "archive" like all the other decades and seeing him in all his pomp again was fantastic.

[Scott]

Lol I guess you're talking to the wrong person about this, and others will surely agree... but Eric is the best footballer I've ever seen live, and I cant rate him highly enough. A good proportion of my favourite United goals are scored by him. If you look on this forum, when you've made a certain amount of posts, the highest ranking is Eric Cantona lol.

Of course, it's always good to look back and see footage of the 90s, but for me, Eric is the most skillful player I've ever seen at United. Giggs, far more consistant with his skill over his United career than Eric was... but there are things I've seen Eric do which I just dont think any other player could pull off. He was magic.

[sahahaha]

He had it all, but the goal that sums him up is that great turn followed by a darting run, a one two with Mclair and a chip over the keeper that was out of this world. Add to that the celebration, coller up, chest out. I think that sums him up best.

[Scott]

sahahaha said:

He had it all, but the goal that sums him up is that great turn followed by a darting run, a one two with Mclair and a chip over the keeper that was out of this world. Add to that the celebration, coller up, chest out. I think that sums him up best.

Yep, the Sunderland goal.

[rewdie]

i wasnt really old enough to appreciate him, so i can go back and watch through the wonderful invention that is the net, some great compilations of cantona on ere!

[missunited]

Although it will probably be argued I am too young to remember as well, although I do have a very good memory. I though Eric Cantona was a very good player, with an exceptional personality, passion and thrive. He had moments of sheer brilliance, and he made mistakes like any other player would have done. He was probably never appreciated outside Old Trafford, although he should have been. Some people probably knew more of his temper or behaviour than footballing skills. Although, some people in my mind have the right of being arrogant, and that arrogance probably made Eric the player that he was.

Personally I thought Steve Bruce was a player not always appreciated. One of the best English defenders that have been over the last 20years, yet he never earned an English cap. Considering the player he was, and the throphies he won, it just doesn't seem right.

[chiff]

missunited said:

Although it will probably be argued I am too young to remember as well, although I do have a very good memory. I though Eric Cantona was a very good player, with an exceptional personality, passion and thrive. He had moments of sheer brilliance, and he made mistakes like any other player would have done. He was probably never appreciated outside Old Trafford, although he should have been. Some people probably knew more of his temper or behaviour than footballing skills. Although, some people in my mind have the right of being arrogant, and that arrogance probably made Eric the player that he was.

Personally I thought Steve Bruce was a player not always appreciated. One of the best English defenders that have been over the last 20years, yet he never earned an English cap. Considering the player he was, and the throphies he won, it just doesn't seem right.

You're spot on with Bruce. I know him from his Gillingham days and he was always a class apart from anyone in those days. He reminded me of Bill Foulkes who was similarly unrecognised. Nowadays - probably because of substitutes giving more opportunities to try players - even players in reserve sides get caps. Even Utd players like Richardson get caps and as for Sven almost giving a cap to Walcott, words fail me. Whereas lots of reliable players never get a sniff.

[Scott]

Irwin - Pallister - Bruce - Parker

THE most underrated back 4, EVER.

[prideof99]

i was 8 and can remember idolising him going to everygame !!! i had the french flag with his face on i had the shirt

i was there with the goal in 1996 against liverpool in fa cup final i remember alot about that game as it was big for me ! them white suits being 1

[sahahaha]

admin said:

Irwin - Pallister - Bruce - Parker

THE most underrated back 4, EVER.

With "The Terminator" behind them They must have gone 20 odd games without conceding at Old trafford, back when it was a fortress!