Was Cantona the Best Striker to play under Ferguson

Zen · 13th January 2012, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky_Hughes

An excellent and well made point, apart from the fact you could not be more wrong if you were the professor of wrongness, at wrong university who is currently lecturing a class on how to be wrong.

So I'm guessing you think Rooney barely scratches the top 10 then? Otherwise I couldn't be as wrong as you say....in which case it's pointless debating with you anyway, since ironically you couldn't be "more wrong if you were the professor of wrongness, at wrong university who is currently lecturing a class on how to be wrong."

I_live_cement · 13th January 2012, 16:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robbie Boy

The guy is an utter spastic with utter spastic opinions. He then goes slagging off other peoples opinions as wrong or far fetched. Utter gimp of a poster, imo.

Agreed.

Randall Flagg · 13th January 2012, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by adexkola

I was a little kid during this period, but it seems losing Schmichael for a European semifinal would have been a big blow to any team.

He injured himself either earlier that day or in the warm up, it was a massive loss, we always struggled without him

Widnes · 13th January 2012, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall Flagg

I cannot see how anyone can believe that assuming you are old enough to have enjoyed Eric's career with us

I suspect he possibly wasn't although I could be wrong, Rooney I think we can all agree is a fantastic player and if he stays with us the long term I think he will probably break Sir Bobby Charltons goal scoring record with the club and he would then without question be remembered as one of our greatest ever players and history will probably remember him in higer regard to Cantona but anyone who watched us in the early to mid 90's will surely remember Eric as the king, for a very big man he could glide along the pitch and play with such beauty. With him on the pitch football was just a joy to watch and anything seemed possible for United back then, so sad he never fot a Champions League winners medal but I have no doubts he would have done had it not been for the foriegner rule and in my opinion was the best in the world during the mid 90's

Annihilate Now! · 13th January 2012, 16:56

I would say Eric... in fact, I would say Eric by a comfortable distance.

After him you're looking at one of Hughes, Rooney or Ruud

And after them Cole, Solskjaer, Sheringham, Yorke, McClair(?)

Sparky_Hughes · 13th January 2012, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen

So I'm guessing you think Rooney barely scratches the top 10 then? Otherwise I couldn't be as wrong as you say....in which case it's pointless debating with you anyway, since ironically you couldn't be "more wrong if you were the professor of wrongness, at wrong university who is currently lecturing a class on how to be wrong."

Actually he comes in quite comfortably at number 5 for me.

1: Cantona
2: Law
3: Van Nistlerooy
4: Hughes
5: Rooney

Zen · 13th January 2012, 17:03

So fourth under Fergie then.....so I can't be as wrong as you made out, but I'll stick to me being right and you being wrong imo.

Sparky_Hughes · 13th January 2012, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen

So fourth under Fergie then.....so I can't be as wrong as you made out, but I'll stick to me being right and you being wrong imo.

The problem with a question like this is it is ENTIERLY based on opinion so there is no diffinative answer.

(You are still wrong)

KM · 13th January 2012, 17:11

Quote:

How would you feel if you saw on television that someone you used to work with was planning to become president of their country?

Surprised, maybe, but then maybe you didn't work with Eric Cantona like me.

I saw his stunt this week and thought, 'That's Eric'. He's his own man and always has been.

Nobody had a clue what he was going to do next, from jumping in the crowd to kick a fan, to retiring from football at the peak of his fame.

Most of the United team lived in big houses in south Manchester, Cantona lived in a rented three bedroomed semi-detached house in an area none of us had heard of.

Cantona is from Marseille and is not afraid to fight against what he sees as injustice. He grew up in a cave.

Read that last sentence again. A cave. So it is not surprising that poor housing has always been close to his heart and that was his publicity gimmick when he announced he was running for president this week.

Cantona was a mass of contradictions.

He was usually a quiet, private man, on the outside of the dressing room looking in. Yet he was a happy man, always looking to socialise, always polite and friendly.

He was not aloof, nor arrogant. He pretended that he could not speak English when it suited, but spoke it near perfectly at other times.

David May, our teammate, used to adopt a French accent and say: "Today you iz speak Engleesh. Eric? Or no speak Engleesh today?"

Cantona would smile at that one. He loved the crack in the dressing room and did not mind somebody having a joke at his expense.

The same May was completely in awe of him, however.

He used to share a room with Cantona and felt like he was in the company of the king.

May was frightened of snoring and felt it was rude to keep the light on when the king decided it was time to sleep.

If Cantona wanted to sleep at eight, then May slept at eight without any complaints.

We all respected Cantona because of his ability as a footballer. He was probably the best in England at the time, with an aura that only grew over the years.

When he had finished his ban for the kung fu kick at a fan in 1995, he was one of the most famous men in the country.

That meant opponents afforded him more respect in England, an extra yard that allowed him space to exploit.

He did not get the same respect in Europe and was less effective.

Everyone was very fond of Cantona and happy for him to be the club captain, a role he took on with enthusiasm when it came to organising social events.

We used to have a team get together when things were not running smoothly and heads needed to be banged together.

Cantona would be the first one there.

If there was a dress code then he ignored it. At one club function we all turned up dressed like penguins in suits. Eric arrived in a cream jacket with red trainers.

We thought Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager, would go crazy at him. Instead he told him that he looked wonderful.

One rule for us, one for Eric! Nobody objected.

Nobody shouted at Cantona on the field either. We let him work his magic and it was a privilege to play with him. Nobody, that is, except for Roy Keane.

I think Keane decided he'd had enough of the reverence and he would treat Cantona the same as he treated everyone else - by moaning at them if they gave the ball away.

On the rare occasion that Cantona misplaced the ball, he had Keane shouting down his ear. He didn't seem to mind because it showed Keane's absolute will to win.

Cantona had a reputation for losing his temper and we had all seen the television images where he clashed with officials, opponents and fans, but I only saw him lose his temper with a teammate once.

Peter Schmeichel, our goalkeeper, slid into him in training. Cantona was not happy, lofted up his 6ft 2ins, barrel-chested frame and pointed his index finger at the big Dane. "You!" he said. "Why always you? Why? Why?"

Schmeichel did not reply. He would not normally shirk confrontation, but I think he decided that he would not slide in on Cantona again.

Cantona may not become French president, but he has got people talking about an issue close to his heart.

I have no idea what he will do next and I expect the unexpected.

It seems to be that he is enjoying life, whether it's playing beach soccer or acting, working for the New York Cosmos or causing a stir in French politics.

I don't think you can knock anyone for that.

Yes, Eric Cantona can - The National

Andy Cole on Eric Cantona, Excellent Article I thought. Does anyone else agree with Cole's theory about why Cantona didn't work in Europe?

Pexbo · 13th January 2012, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky_Hughes

Actually he comes in quite comfortably at number 5 for me.

1: Cantona
2: Law
3: Van Nistlerooy
4: Hughes
5: Rooney

You rate Hughes above Rooney?

ArmchairCritic · 13th January 2012, 17:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by KM

Yes, Eric Cantona can - The National

Andy Cole on Eric Cantona, Excellent Article I thought. Does anyone else agree with Cole's theory about why Cantona didn't work in Europe?

How cool is Eric, I'd love to have him here as a Youth Coach or something but I don't think he'd be interested in such a role.

RK · 13th January 2012, 17:21

Ruud. Just a shame he wasn't with a top-quality side at the time (relative to United standards).

Sparky_Hughes · 13th January 2012, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pexbo

You rate Hughes above Rooney?

Yes purely because when your back is to the wall you could GUARENTEE Sparky would be giving it his all, with Rooney he might, but you never know.

Ixion · 13th January 2012, 17:27

I think you can gurantee Rooney will be giving his all too, especially when things aren't going well, but Sparky had the knack of scoring vital goals just when we needed them.

Mannheim Red · 13th January 2012, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky_Hughes

Actually he comes in quite comfortably at number 5 for me.

1: Cantona
2: Law
3: Van Nistlerooy
4: Hughes
5: Rooney

Cannot agree with Eric above the Lawman. Only my opinion though

Name Changed · 13th January 2012, 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky_Hughes

An excellent and well made point, apart from the fact you could not be more wrong if you were the professor of wrongness, at wrong university who is currently lecturing a class on how to be wrong.

Spoony Youngblood · 13th January 2012, 18:07

Cantona wasn't a striker. How old are some of you lot? Law, Taylor and Ruud - best three number 9s to've played for United.

Name Changed · 13th January 2012, 18:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoony Youngblood

Cantona wasn't a striker. How old are some of you lot? Law, Taylor and Ruud - best three number 9s to've played for United.

Well are we talking about strikers or forwards? I think the thread is really about forwards, despite the title.

Billy Whelan would have been right up there (from what I have read) had it not been for his tragic death.

If it's about no 9s only, then Law is no 1 in my opinion. For Ferguson's term of management, then Ruud.

Spoony Youngblood · 13th January 2012, 18:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Name Changed

Well are we talking about strikers or forwards? I think the thread is really about forwards, despite the title.

Billy Whelan would have been right up there (from what I have read) had it not been for his tragic death.

If it's about no 9s only, then Law is no 1 in my opinion. For Ferguson's term of management, then Ruud.

No idea, but I presumed strikers as in number 9s.

Name Changed · 13th January 2012, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoony Youngblood

No idea, but I presumed strikers as in number 9s.

So would I, but then Cantona was named. So I'll take it as forwards anyway!

Cantona trumps Ruud & Rooney imho.

Randall Flagg · 13th January 2012, 20:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoony Youngblood

Cantona wasn't a striker. How old are some of you lot? Law, Taylor and Ruud - best three number 9s to've played for United.

It's an old thread and yes the title is odd, but it's meant to be about forwards rather than just strikers.

Brwned · 13th January 2012, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoony Youngblood

Cantona wasn't a striker. How old are some of you lot? Law, Taylor and Ruud - best three number 9s to've played for United.

Was Law a no. 9 Spoony? Here's a few screenshots of the lineups back in the day:

Spoiler

Looked no more of a 9 than Rooney, for example. It has him down as playing as an inside forward and that's how it looked to me too. Played there for the Rest of the World in the FA Centenary match too, in behind Puskas. This was before Herd got injured and left though, so he might've become 9 in the second half of his United career.

Randall Flagg · 13th January 2012, 21:32

I think some of those formations prove why it is almost impossible to compare football in modern times to the 60's

Sultan · 13th January 2012, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Was Law a no. 9 Spoony? Here's a few screenshots of the lineups back in the day:

Spoiler

Looked no more of a 9 than Rooney, for example. It has him down as playing as an inside forward and that's how it looked to me too. Played there for the Rest of the World in the FA Centenary match too, in behind Puskas. This was before Herd got injured and left though, so he might've become 9 in the second half of his United career.

Law was a pure poacher. Incredibly brilliant!

Doevle · 13th January 2012, 21:46

As a pure striker Ruud was by far the best.

Red Dreams · 13th January 2012, 21:53

how did Law get into this?

thought it was strikers under Fergie.

Law was not called the King for no reason. None better imo. Next would be Ruud.

As for Cantona, I never saw him as an out and out striker....but when he played you had the feeling something magical could happen anytime.

..just a huge influence on the whole team....

Chorley1974 · 13th January 2012, 22:23

horse is best striker - not best signing, influential, etc

Gazza · 13th January 2012, 23:22

I think van Nistelrooy was the best striker to play under Ferguson.

But I would have Eric in my team ahead of him and possibly a few more.

TheHorse'sMouth · 13th January 2012, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chorley1974

horse is best striker - not best signing, influential, etc

Cheers. You didn't have to.

Ole's_toe_poke · 13th January 2012, 23:42

Ruud was clearly the best striker.

I'd classify Cantona, Ronaldo etc. as forwards rather than strikers. In terms of ability, Ronaldo over Cantona. In terms of long term impact and general sexiness Cantona.

Red Dreams · 13th February 2012, 21:08

[Video] Eric Cantona - Watch all 82 of his United Goals | Football Talk | Premier League News

MUFCgal · 13th February 2012, 21:11

If you're talking an out & out striker, then you can't look past Ruud.

Red Dreams · 13th February 2012, 21:13

btw I just posted the link here cause I did not want to start a new thread to post this.

Many probably have this.

But here it is for those that dont have it.

ERICSAGOD · 14th February 2012, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall Flagg

Will disagree 100%. Cantona was a good bit better in almost every aspect than Rooney

Nail meet head.

Why is this even a matter for discussion.

13th February 2012, 21:08	#191 (permalink)
Red Dreams First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Thunder Road to Old Trafford Posts: 23,454	[Video] Eric Cantona – Watch all of ‘King Eric’s’ 82 United Goals [Video] Eric Cantona - Watch all 82 of his United Goals \| Football Talk \| Premier League News

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13th January 2012, 16:56	#165 (permalink)
Annihilate Now! First Team Sub Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Argh Posts: 7,365	I would say Eric... in fact, I would say Eric by a comfortable distance. After him you're looking at one of Hughes, Rooney or Ruud And after them Cole, Solskjaer, Sheringham, Yorke, McClair(?)

13th January 2012, 17:03	#167 (permalink)
Zen First Team Sub Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Prophetville! Posts: 6,383	So fourth under Fergie then.....so I can't be as wrong as you made out, but I'll stick to me being right and you being wrong imo.

13th January 2012, 17:21	#172 (permalink)
RK First Team Regular Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 13,933	Ruud. Just a shame he wasn't with a top-quality side at the time (relative to United standards).

13th January 2012, 17:27	#174 (permalink)
Ixion First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 6,872	I think you can gurantee Rooney will be giving his all too, especially when things aren't going well, but Sparky had the knack of scoring vital goals just when we needed them.

13th January 2012, 18:07	#177 (permalink)
Spoony Youngblood Wants to be more like Top Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: RIP Sydney Youngblood, who died in a tragic go-karting accident in 2007. RIP my cat 2001-09. iRIP Steve Cunting Jobs Posts: 42,368	Cantona wasn't a striker. How old are some of you lot? Law, Taylor and Ruud - best three number 9s to've played for United.

13th January 2012, 21:32	#183 (permalink)
Randall Flagg Scarlett woman ( Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn ) Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 16,681	I think some of those formations prove why it is almost impossible to compare football in modern times to the 60's

13th January 2012, 21:46	#185 (permalink)
Doevle First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6,867	As a pure striker Ruud was by far the best.

13th January 2012, 21:53	#186 (permalink)
Red Dreams First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Thunder Road to Old Trafford Posts: 23,454	how did Law get into this? thought it was strikers under Fergie. Law was not called the King for no reason. None better imo. Next would be Ruud. As for Cantona, I never saw him as an out and out striker....but when he played you had the feeling something magical could happen anytime. ..just a huge influence on the whole team....

13th January 2012, 22:23	#187 (permalink)
Chorley1974 Lady Ole Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 7,187	horse is best striker - not best signing, influential, etc

13th January 2012, 23:22	#188 (permalink)
Gazza Magic Carpet Pilot Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: "some place faaar away... yes, that'll do" Posts: 27,084	I think van Nistelrooy was the best striker to play under Ferguson. But I would have Eric in my team ahead of him and possibly a few more.

13th January 2012, 23:42	#190 (permalink)
Ole's_toe_poke First Team Regular Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 18,932	Ruud was clearly the best striker. I'd classify Cantona, Ronaldo etc. as forwards rather than strikers. In terms of ability, Ronaldo over Cantona. In terms of long term impact and general sexiness Cantona.

13th February 2012, 21:11	#192 (permalink)
MUFCgal First Team Regular Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Belfast,Northern Ireland Posts: 17,827	If you're talking an out & out striker, then you can't look past Ruud.

13th February 2012, 21:13	#193 (permalink)
Red Dreams First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Thunder Road to Old Trafford Posts: 23,454	btw I just posted the link here cause I did not want to start a new thread to post this. Many probably have this. But here it is for those that dont have it.