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Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has called club legend Eric Cantona his idol, Manchester Evening News confirmed. Schweinsteiger was named in Louis Van Gaal’s starting eleven for their derby clash against Manchester City, which ended goalless at the weekend.
The German international joined the Red Devils from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich during the summer transfer season. It was shocking to see Schweinsteiger leave his boyhood club, where he earned legendary status over the years. Nobody expected him to part ways with the Bavarians, as he was deemed to be a “one-club man” just like Francesco Totti, Javier Zanetti and Ryan Giggs to name a few.
The 31-year-old’s decision to make a switch to Old Trafford now makes sense and it is easy to see why. The former Bayern player has named French legend Cantona as his footballing idol while growing up in Germany. Cantona flourished under the guidance of former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, helping the side to win countless trophies after he came to the Theatre of Dreams from Leeds United.
In a Q&A interview with Beats by Dre, Schweinsteiger revealed Cantona was the one player he admired and wished he could play with. Imagine if both players were fielded on the same side? With the class of Schweinsteiger and Cantona’s flair, United would have been unstoppable. It would have been a joy to watch the pair play together and it will be something the Old Trafford faithful wish they could have seen.
Schweinsteiger's brother, Tobias, celebrated his brother's summer move to United by posting a collage on Instagram of the Germany midfielder, which included a picture of him in United's last Umbro home shirt.
“Now you have the opportunity to play at the club, because of Eric Cantona (my great idol) always had a place in my heart!” Tobias wrote on Instagram.
Schweinsteiger played his first Manchester derby on Sunday, where he was named in Van Gaal’s starting XI along with Morgan Schneiderlin in midfield. However, the encounter ended in a disappointing goalless draw despite being one of the highly anticipated encounters in Premier League. Both clubs shared a point each at the end of the match and the result sent City back to the top of the table – leading Arsenal on goal difference while United dropped one place down to West Ham.
Nonetheless, the 20-time English champions can be considered lucky to acquire the services of Die Mannschaft captain and this news will surely bring a smile on all United supporters, knowing the fact that their midfield maestro respects a legend of the club as much as they do. Schweinsteiger is quickly becoming a fan favourite at the club and he will be hoping that he will earn the same recognition as Cantona did in the 90’s after his retirement.
