Legendary Manchester United striker, Eric Cantona on the occasion of his 50th birthday gave an interview to the Guardian where he commented on the managerial situation at his former club saying that Manchester City bound Pep Guardiola was the only man who could change ailing Manchester United’s fortunes.
Cantona was of the opinion that inspite of his winning record, Mourinho was not ideal for Manchester United, “I love Jose Mourinho, but in terms of the type of football he plays I don’t think he is Manchester United. I love his personality, I love the passion he has for the game, his humour. He is very intelligent, he demands 100% of his players. And of course he wins things.”
He added, “But I don’t think it’s the type of football that the fans of Manchester United will love, even if they win. He can win with Manchester United. But do they expect that type of football, even if they win? I don’t think so.”
Also read: Manchester United officially sack Louis van Gaal, Dutch manager releases statement
The Frenchman added that he felt that Spanish manager Pep Guardiola would have been a much better choice as United manager. He said, “I would have loved to have seen Guardiola in Manchester [United]. He is the only one to change Manchester. He is in Manchester, but at the wrong one.”
Cantona also praised the former Barcelona coach by saying, “I would have loved to have seen Guardiola in Manchester [United]. He is the only one to change Manchester. He is in Manchester, but at the wrong one.”
While praising Cryuff for overseeing two footballing revolutions; one at Ajax as a player and the other at Barcelona as a coach, Cantona compared Guardiola to the departed Dutch master saying, “Guardiola was the one to take. He is the spiritual son of Johan Cruyff,”
Van Gaal sacked after FA Cup glory
Louis van Gaal was fired as manager of Manchester United after two disappointing seasons where the club could not finish above fourth place. Although he won the FA Cup in what was his last game with the club as manager, he failed to achieve the objective of reaching the Champions League spots.
Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, who has won the Premier League thrice with Chelsea, is widely expected to replace the Dutchman at the helm of Manchester United. The 53-year-old “Special One” comes with a guarantee of trophies and should be a perfect fit for a club the size of Manchester United.
