Eric Cantona: CUNT!!!!1111!!! ?

Number7 · 24th June 2008, 13:47

Isn't Jason a mod?!!111?!

Spoonatov · 24th June 2008, 13:57

Cantona's a legend. You missed a proper legend, Jas.

Rudie · 24th June 2008, 13:57

Blasphemy! Burn him! Burn him!

steerterry50 · 24th June 2008, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonrh

Obviously not.

But why? Its sort of stupid, but follow me here and you'll see a sort of weird similarity with something that we're going through now...

Cristiano Ronaldo may very well be about to suddenly leave us in the lurch with a shock departure when we were in no way prepared for him to leave a squad that was built around him.

Eric Cantona suddenly left us in the lurch with a shock departure when were were in no way prepared for him to leave a squad that was built around him.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut in the first game of the 2003/04 season. He was signed earlier than Ferguson initially planned by sheer chance after the players asked for him to be signed during preseason. The deal was as good as done when they got on the plane.

Eric Cantona didn't make his debut until nearly halfway through the 1992/93 season. He was signed partway through the season by sheer chance. The deal was as good as done in a phone call.

Cristiano Ronaldo has never had a major injury, although he did miss a half-dozen games via three red card suspensions and missed a month due to participation in the Olympics. After an incident at the World Cup in 2006 he allegedly had to be convinced by Ferguson to stay in England.

Eric Cantona missed a whopping 32 consecutive matches after the Kung Fu Kick Incident, on top of five other red card suspensions. He allegedly had to be convinced by Ferguson to stay in England after the Kung Fu Kick.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a United player for 5 seasons. As a winger, he has currently played 239 (43 of those as a sub), scoring 92 goals. That's a goal every 2.597 games, but with so many of those being sub appearances that is a misleading number.

Eric Cantona was a United player for just over 4 and a half seasons. As a striker, he played 185 games (only 1 as a sub) with 82 goals. That is a goal every 2.256 games, but again his average 'game' would be longer than Ronaldo's since only his first match was as a sub.

There are some frightening similarities there. Yet Cantona is still worshipped.

Of course the difference is the feeling of betrayal at Ronaldo's actions in the last 30 days and his not retiring, but his trying to move to another club as if there is somehow a 'bigger' club than United.

But you must admit there is some spooky stuff there, and actually when you look at it there is an odd argument that Cantona was less of a servant of the club than some make out (

considering what he did to morale and our mindset - football isn't at all numbers).

Just playing devil's advocate and ruminating over random nonsense crap at 11:19PM.

Jason your thinking outside the box get on the next series of the apprentice . Alan Sugar will love ya.

Dresilved · 24th June 2008, 16:21

The most significat difference between the two is heart. Theres a very prominent line in the movie 300, Zerksies or what ever his name - the persian god says "I'd sacrafice a 1000 men for something or other- dont know the exact words" to which The spartan says "see....... the difference between us is, I'd die for my men" Guess which one Ronaldo is.... thats the difference between them and this is the only one that counts..........but I like how your trying to be convroversial

Pimpy the Magic Elf · 24th June 2008, 16:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dresilved

The most significat difference between the two is heart. Theres a very prominent line in the movie 300, Zerksies or what ever his name - the persian god says "I'd sacrafice a 1000 men for something or other- dont know the exact words" to which The spartan says "see....... the difference between us is, I'd die for my men" Guess which one Ronaldo is.... thats the difference between them and this is the only one that counts..........but I like how your trying to be convroversial

Oh, come on. Insinuating that Ronaldo is lacking heart is just plain dumb.

Vinay · 24th June 2008, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

Has anybody ever quite so clearly missed the point than this?!

Unbelievable Jason, un-be-liev-able

I hate to be the one to point out the difference between retiring from professional football, and engineering a move to European rivals with 4 years left on your contract aged 23, conducted in the full media spotlight drawn over over several months... for a start

Without saying that Cantona himself said that he did not feel to be the focal point of the team any more. It was the likes of Beckham, Scholes and the other Fergie Babes, he felt that had taken over the mantle of being the 'main' players of the team. And for him, that was, by his standards, not acceptable as per his expectations of himself... So, to say that the team was necessarily built around him for the year following his departure is not totally true...

Colly · 24th June 2008, 16:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinay

Without saying that Cantona himself said that he did not feel to be the focal point of the team any more. It was the likes of Beckham, Scholes and the other Fergie Babes, he felt that had taken over the mantle of being the 'main' players of the team. And for him, that was, by his standards, not acceptable as per his expectations of himself... So, to say that the team was necessarily built around him for the year following his departure is not totally true...

It kinda was though. You can't underestimate the impact Cantona had on the club. he was the catalyst we needed to push on to the next level under Fergie. We were very much a big sleeping giant during the 70's and 80's and into the early 90's until his arrival. Cantona was the spark that woke us up. He felt invincible and as a result, it spread through the club. We got our pride back, our winning mentality and our confidence - which was Fergie's objective in the longterm. He encouraged the young players to express themselves, trained like an animal and believed we could be the best. Cantona had no small part to play in the turnaround of the club's fortunes. The man's a fucking legend...........I for one, will never forget him as long as I live.

Vinay · 24th June 2008, 17:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colly

It kinda was though. You can't underestimate the impact Cantona had on the club. he was the catalyst we needed to push on to the next level under Fergie. We were very much a big sleeping giant during the 70's and 80's and into the early 90's until his arrival. Cantona was the spark that woke us up. He felt invincible and as a result, it spread through the club. We got our pride back, our winning mentality and our confidence - which was Fergie's objective in the longterm. He encouraged the young players to express themselves, trained like an animal and believed we could be the best. Cantona had no small part to play in the turnaround of the club's fortunes. The man's a fucking legend...........I for one, will never forget him as long as I live.

He is my favourite player of all times (minus having first hand experience of the Busby Babes). And it might be true that the team might have revolved around him. But, what Cantona felt is that he didn't deserve any more to be that focal point. He felt he was on the decline... And he had the balls to call it a day there and then...

Colly · 24th June 2008, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinay

He is my favourite player of all times (minus having first hand experience of the Busby Babes). And it might be true that the team might have revolved around him. But, what Cantona felt is that he didn't deserve any more to be that focal point. He felt he was on the decline... And he had the balls to call it a day there and then...

Yeah agree ! It would have been awful to see him off the pace and not able to contribute as much. Immense for the club absolutely immense and his legacy lives on.

Vinay · 24th June 2008, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colly

Yeah agree ! It would have been awful to see him off the pace and not able to contribute as much. Immense for the club absolutely immense and his legacy lives on.

Will live on long! This guy truly symbolises, I feel, the spirit at United....

Cheers!

Livvie · 24th June 2008, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcubed

The difference is that Ronaldo is a legend in his mind, whereas Eric is a legend in ours.

Livvie · 24th June 2008, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number7

Isn't Jason mod?!

You're close.

Just a small typo.

Shane Bluck · 24th June 2008, 20:13

Eric got to meet me last week, he was a bit shy, but a nice chap.

michaelness · 24th June 2008, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonrh

Obviously not.

But why? Its sort of stupid, but follow me here and you'll see a sort of weird similarity with something that we're going through now...

Cristiano Ronaldo may very well be about to suddenly leave us in the lurch with a shock departure when we were in no way prepared for him to leave a squad that was built around him.

Eric Cantona suddenly left us in the lurch with a shock departure when were were in no way prepared for him to leave a squad that was built around him.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut in the first game of the 2003/04 season. He was signed earlier than Ferguson initially planned by sheer chance after the players asked for him to be signed during preseason. The deal was as good as done when they got on the plane.

Eric Cantona didn't make his debut until nearly halfway through the 1992/93 season. He was signed partway through the season by sheer chance. The deal was as good as done in a phone call.

Cristiano Ronaldo has never had a major injury, although he did miss a half-dozen games via three red card suspensions and missed a month due to participation in the Olympics. After an incident at the World Cup in 2006 he allegedly had to be convinced by Ferguson to stay in England.

Eric Cantona missed a whopping 32 consecutive matches after the Kung Fu Kick Incident, on top of five other red card suspensions. He allegedly had to be convinced by Ferguson to stay in England after the Kung Fu Kick.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a United player for 5 seasons. As a winger, he has currently played 239 (43 of those as a sub), scoring 92 goals. That's a goal every 2.597 games, but with so many of those being sub appearances that is a misleading number.

Eric Cantona was a United player for just over 4 and a half seasons. As a striker, he played 185 games (only 1 as a sub) with 82 goals. That is a goal every 2.256 games, but again his average 'game' would be longer than Ronaldo's since only his first match was as a sub.

There are some frightening similarities there. Yet Cantona is still worshipped.

Of course the difference is the feeling of betrayal at Ronaldo's actions in the last 30 days and his not retiring, but his trying to move to another club as if there is somehow a 'bigger' club than United.

But you must admit there is some spooky stuff there, and actually when you look at it there is an odd argument that Cantona was less of a servant of the club than some make out (

considering what he did to morale and our mindset - football isn't at all numbers).

Just playing devil's advocate and ruminating over random nonsense crap at 11:19PM.

Dresilved · 24th June 2008, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pimpy the Magic Elf

Oh, come on. Insinuating that Ronaldo is lacking heart is just plain dumb.

I'm not saying he's lacking in heart, I'm saying that Cantonas love was football in and of iteslf, I believe Ronni uses football as a means to an end, in my analogy both characters I made reference to were both strong willed and were leaders, I did not suggest ronni had no heart I questioned his professionalism and loyalty...an entirely different thing indeed....you should read the post properly

Red For Ever · 24th June 2008, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colly

It kinda was though. You can't underestimate the impact Cantona had on the club. he was the catalyst we needed to push on to the next level under Fergie. We were very much a big sleeping giant during the 70's and 80's and into the early 90's until his arrival. Cantona was the spark that woke us up. He felt invincible and as a result, it spread through the club. We got our pride back, our winning mentality and our confidence - which was Fergie's objective in the longterm. He encouraged the young players to express themselves, trained like an animal and believed we could be the best. Cantona had no small part to play in the turnaround of the club's fortunes. The man's a fucking legend...........I for one, will never forget him as long as I live.

Cantona is amongst my top 3 United players in my 43 years as a supporter
but it was only after his departure that we saw the best of Andy Cole, the style of play when Cantona was here did not suit Cole, he wasnt a bad player just the set up with Eric on the pitch didnt suit his way of playing

Kinky Melinky · 25th June 2008, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonrh

Obviously not.

But why? Its sort of stupid, but follow me here and you'll see a sort of weird similarity with something that we're going through now...

Cristiano Ronaldo may very well be about to suddenly leave us in the lurch with a shock departure when we were in no way prepared for him to leave a squad that was built around him.

Eric Cantona suddenly left us in the lurch with a shock departure when were were in no way prepared for him to leave a squad that was built around him.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his debut in the first game of the 2003/04 season. He was signed earlier than Ferguson initially planned by sheer chance after the players asked for him to be signed during preseason. The deal was as good as done when they got on the plane.

Eric Cantona didn't make his debut until nearly halfway through the 1992/93 season. He was signed partway through the season by sheer chance. The deal was as good as done in a phone call.

Cristiano Ronaldo has never had a major injury, although he did miss a half-dozen games via three red card suspensions and missed a month due to participation in the Olympics. After an incident at the World Cup in 2006 he allegedly had to be convinced by Ferguson to stay in England.

Eric Cantona missed a whopping 32 consecutive matches after the Kung Fu Kick Incident, on top of five other red card suspensions. He allegedly had to be convinced by Ferguson to stay in England after the Kung Fu Kick.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a United player for 5 seasons. As a winger, he has currently played 239 (43 of those as a sub), scoring 92 goals. That's a goal every 2.597 games, but with so many of those being sub appearances that is a misleading number.

Eric Cantona was a United player for just over 4 and a half seasons. As a striker, he played 185 games (only 1 as a sub) with 82 goals. That is a goal every 2.256 games, but again his average 'game' would be longer than Ronaldo's since only his first match was as a sub.

There are some frightening similarities there. Yet Cantona is still worshipped.

Of course the difference is the feeling of betrayal at Ronaldo's actions in the last 30 days and his not retiring, but his trying to move to another club as if there is somehow a 'bigger' club than United.

But you must admit there is some spooky stuff there, and actually when you look at it there is an odd argument that Cantona was less of a servant of the club than some make out (

considering what he did to morale and our mindset - football isn't at all numbers).

Just playing devil's advocate and ruminating over random nonsense crap at 11:19PM.

Were you drunk when you wrote this Jason ?

Nem 7 · 25th June 2008, 00:59

Did you not see Cantona play?

Chris H · 25th June 2008, 09:29

Could someone be so kind as to explain this "111!!!" business? Seems to keep cropping up, and I've no idea at all what it means.

UnitedRoadRed · 25th June 2008, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris H

Could someone be so kind as to explain this "111!!!" business? Seems to keep cropping up, and I've no idea at all what it means.

It's internet chic. A bit like pwned.

Innit.

jasonrh · 25th June 2008, 09:59

No iconoclasts willing or gutsy enough to try to have a stab?

So basically there are no redeeming traits whatsoever in Ronaldo?

All Eric Cantona ever did was sweetness and light, long may he live?

The point is that of course Cantona is and was a legend. Ronaldo is not. No one said he is.

The fact that Cantona kicked the shit out of a fan and we lost a title by a point and an FA Cup by a goal (as he missed 32 games) is irrelevant to that. The fact that he just up and retired after a team was shaped in his image is irrelevant to that. It does show he had some pretty huge flaws - and in fact ones that ironically endeared him even more to the OT faithful.

But he was not a completely one hundred percent perfect person and his flame did not burn brightly at Old Trafford for 17 years or anything like Giggs.

He was there for four and a bit years, missing half a season on top of that through a pretty unprecedented act of violence on a fan - however justified we might see it and find it to be part of his mystique as United supporters.

Now, assuming Ronaldo were to tell everyone to piss off tomorrow and shock Fergie by leaving while the team is built around him, is there maybe, just maybe, a glimmer, a small glimmer, of true brilliance at times in his five full years to date at Old Trafford?

I'll be angry if he leaves. He'll not be a 'United Legend', whereas Cantona is. Part of that will be the circumstances of the exit. Part of that will be that he'll only really have an impact on the team as a whole for about two years whereas Cantona sort of taught the team how to win and have guts for his time there.

But Ronaldo won't be a 'CUNT!!!!1111!!' as so many have been calling him every couple of summers since the Olympics. At least not after a bit of time passes and his full impact really can be appreciated.

Cantona wasn't a cunt.

And we should think long and hard before branding anyone who has been with the club longer than and has scored more in about as many games as Cantona has as a "cunt".

That's the main point.

The other point is that this is where he probably is getting the "loyalty" line from his agent - "hey, Ronny, look how long this Cantona was there and they still sing his name - you can go now!".

The 'similarities' thing wasn't really phrasing it right, I was trying to smart-arse my way to the point - I should have known better with the pitch fork patrol at its peak. I wonder what Portugeezer tastes like.

UnitedRoadRed · 25th June 2008, 10:15

Eric was a catalyst that transformed it and gave it belief. If anything, Ronaldo is the complete opposite - we transformed him and gave him belief. Eric was the finished article needing a home.

Ronaldo still has a chance to become a legend; he's had probably one of the finest individual season-long performances seen in the top flight, up there with Dixie Dean's 60-goal haul in the 1920s. That was a once in a lifetime season. Eric turned it on for four years solid and produced from day one and for me that's the big difference. We didn't have to wait for Eric to become anything - he arrived and sat on his throne immediately. He delivered what we all yearned for - particularly those of us born in the 70s and living with vermin twats shoving the 80s down our throats. He made the transition complete; from the hope of the 1990 FA Cup win through the 91 Cup Winners' Cup and Super Cup. The subsequent "low" of finishing second to Leeds (I use low as in disappointment, not as in league position) to taking their talisman and making him our new king.

Eric's signing gave us all belief for the current; Cristiano's signature was one of a rough diamond needing polishing. We've polished him and he's shone far brighter than we could have expected. Eric's brilliance was at knitting the team together and then to an extent letting the team become greater than the one. Ronaldo has become the focal point of the team in a different way; Rooney will come to the fore again as he did when Ronaldo was on the learning curve a couple of seasons ago.

robthered · 25th June 2008, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonrh

But Ronaldo won't be a 'CUNT!!!!1111!!' as so many have been calling him every couple of summers since the Olympics. At least not after a bit of time passes and his full impact really can be appreciated.

Cantona wasn't a cunt.

And we should think long and hard before branding anyone who has been with the club longer than and has scored more in about as many games as Cantona has as a "cunt".

That's the main point.
The other point is that this is where he probably is getting the "loyalty" line from his agent - "hey, Ronny, look how long this Cantona was there and they still sing his name - you can go now!".

The 'similarities' thing wasn't really phrasing it right, I was trying to smart-arse my way to the point - I should have known better with the pitch fork patrol at its peak. I wonder what Portugeezer tastes like.

If that was a smart arse way to make a point then I'd hate to see you on an off day.

If that's your main point then I think you're missing the majority of supporters point, namely that Cantona's (and any other true United legend's) status is not about goal scored per game, number of years, trophies won etc. It's about so much more than that.

The reasons that you give for thinking long and hard about labelling Ronaldo a cunt in comparison to Cantona demonstrate a lack of understanding about the label 'legend' and about United in general unfortunately.

Cantona added something to the fabric of Manchester United. Something that is unquantifiable and doesn't show up on end of season reports. You mention the 'Kung Fu Kick' - I'm not condoning it but only Eric would have done it. Why? Because he was a genius and a true individual. He was never (and still isn't) afraid to express himself and that incident was the 'dark side' of this nature. The 'Red and the Black' if you will (good book if you haven't read it).

Your point about Ronaldo's impact being 'appreciated' is indicative of the difference between our two positions. For me Ronnie's impact (up till now) has been fantastic skill, an outstanding goal scoring season and being able to watch United nurture a raw talent to the level he's at today.

One could say similar things about Cantona, swapping nurturing raw talent to containing an explosive and alledgedly disruptive personality to the extent that he captained our team.

Again though this doesn't even begin to cover what Eric brought to the club. He added something special and unique to the soul of club. Ronaldo, whilst a special and unique player has not. He has added to the status, to the trophy cabinet (although not alone by any means) but has left the soul relatively untouched.

Whilst I get your point about the pitch forks to an extent you seem to denegrate supporters for their passion and firmly held belief that United are the best and biggest club in the world. Seeing Ronaldo apparently not sharing this belief is the source of the feeling on here, his actions (or lack of) have heightened it.

You can accuse me of being sentimental, of romanticising Cantona or of undermining Ronaldo's contribution at the club but when it comes to comparing and discussing 'legends' and United they are three things that I will never apologise for.

jasonrh · 25th June 2008, 10:25

Cantona wasn't nurturing raw talent (the supposed United way).

He was poaching a big-time star player from the title holders.

24th June 2008, 13:47	#81 (permalink)
Number7 Ret's Slave Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 21,972	Isn't Jason a mod?!!111?!

24th June 2008, 13:57	#82 (permalink)
Spoonatov El Presidente - Voted best poster 2007 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Number 17. (Laura's got a cellulite arse). RIP Jermaine Stewart. Posts: 27,947	Cantona's a legend. You missed a proper legend, Jas.

24th June 2008, 13:57	#83 (permalink)
Rudie Mentary Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Original Rudeboy Posts: 2,497	Blasphemy! Burn him! Burn him!

24th June 2008, 16:21	#85 (permalink)
Dresilved Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: "I'd give all the champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford." (George Best, 1960s Manchester United legend Posts: 1,724	The most significat difference between the two is heart. Theres a very prominent line in the movie 300, Zerksies or what ever his name - the persian god says "I'd sacrafice a 1000 men for something or other- dont know the exact words" to which The spartan says "see....... the difference between us is, I'd die for my men" Guess which one Ronaldo is.... thats the difference between them and this is the only one that counts..........but I like how your trying to be convroversial

24th June 2008, 20:13	#94 (permalink)
Shane Bluck Chef and honorary fat bloke in the Warrington Gimp Collective Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Quietly going about my business. Posts: 16,650	Eric got to meet me last week, he was a bit shy, but a nice chap.

25th June 2008, 00:59	#99 (permalink)
Nem 7 Look, I'm a cunt, can type in colour so I must be important. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Outside Right Posts: 5,046	Did you not see Cantona play?

25th June 2008, 09:29	#100 (permalink)
Chris H Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Self-imposed media blackout. Posts: 2,686	Could someone be so kind as to explain this "111!!!" business? Seems to keep cropping up, and I've no idea at all what it means.

25th June 2008, 09:59	#102 (permalink)
jasonrh Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: "You sir, are the syphilitic cockbiscuit son of a hamster rimmer."; "Sir Alex Ferguson, trainer of the English champions, wants to start the spoon fruits since early." Posts: 58,982	No iconoclasts willing or gutsy enough to try to have a stab? So basically there are no redeeming traits whatsoever in Ronaldo? All Eric Cantona ever did was sweetness and light, long may he live? The point is that of course Cantona is and was a legend. Ronaldo is not. No one said he is. The fact that Cantona kicked the shit out of a fan and we lost a title by a point and an FA Cup by a goal (as he missed 32 games) is irrelevant to that. The fact that he just up and retired after a team was shaped in his image is irrelevant to that. It does show he had some pretty huge flaws - and in fact ones that ironically endeared him even more to the OT faithful. But he was not a completely one hundred percent perfect person and his flame did not burn brightly at Old Trafford for 17 years or anything like Giggs. He was there for four and a bit years, missing half a season on top of that through a pretty unprecedented act of violence on a fan - however justified we might see it and find it to be part of his mystique as United supporters. Now, assuming Ronaldo were to tell everyone to piss off tomorrow and shock Fergie by leaving while the team is built around him, is there maybe, just maybe, a glimmer, a small glimmer, of true brilliance at times in his five full years to date at Old Trafford? I'll be angry if he leaves. He'll not be a 'United Legend', whereas Cantona is. Part of that will be the circumstances of the exit. Part of that will be that he'll only really have an impact on the team as a whole for about two years whereas Cantona sort of taught the team how to win and have guts for his time there. But Ronaldo won't be a 'CUNT!!!!1111!!' as so many have been calling him every couple of summers since the Olympics. At least not after a bit of time passes and his full impact really can be appreciated. Cantona wasn't a cunt. And we should think long and hard before branding anyone who has been with the club longer than and has scored more in about as many games as Cantona has as a "cunt". That's the main point. The other point is that this is where he probably is getting the "loyalty" line from his agent - "hey, Ronny, look how long this Cantona was there and they still sing his name - you can go now!". The 'similarities' thing wasn't really phrasing it right, I was trying to smart-arse my way to the point - I should have known better with the pitch fork patrol at its peak. I wonder what Portugeezer tastes like.

25th June 2008, 10:15	#103 (permalink)
UnitedRoadRed Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 2,334	Eric was a catalyst that transformed it and gave it belief. If anything, Ronaldo is the complete opposite - we transformed him and gave him belief. Eric was the finished article needing a home. Ronaldo still has a chance to become a legend; he's had probably one of the finest individual season-long performances seen in the top flight, up there with Dixie Dean's 60-goal haul in the 1920s. That was a once in a lifetime season. Eric turned it on for four years solid and produced from day one and for me that's the big difference. We didn't have to wait for Eric to become anything - he arrived and sat on his throne immediately. He delivered what we all yearned for - particularly those of us born in the 70s and living with vermin twats shoving the 80s down our throats. He made the transition complete; from the hope of the 1990 FA Cup win through the 91 Cup Winners' Cup and Super Cup. The subsequent "low" of finishing second to Leeds (I use low as in disappointment, not as in league position) to taking their talisman and making him our new king. Eric's signing gave us all belief for the current; Cristiano's signature was one of a rough diamond needing polishing. We've polished him and he's shone far brighter than we could have expected. Eric's brilliance was at knitting the team together and then to an extent letting the team become greater than the one. Ronaldo has become the focal point of the team in a different way; Rooney will come to the fore again as he did when Ronaldo was on the learning curve a couple of seasons ago.

25th June 2008, 10:25	#105 (permalink)
jasonrh Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: "You sir, are the syphilitic cockbiscuit son of a hamster rimmer."; "Sir Alex Ferguson, trainer of the English champions, wants to start the spoon fruits since early." Posts: 58,982	Cantona wasn't nurturing raw talent (the supposed United way). He was poaching a big-time star player from the title holders.