WHEN ERIC CANTONA made the decision to walk away from Old Trafford in May 1997, it was a traumatic time for everyone involved with Manchester United – fans, players…and the manager too.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s new book ‘Leading’ includes an emotional letter from the legendary ex-United coach to Cantona, months after the Frenchman had announced his retirement from football.
Writing to the former striker at the beginning of the 1997/98 season, Ferguson tells Cantona that when training resumed after the summer break, ‘I kept waiting for you to turn up as normal’.
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United had signed Teddy Sheringham in the off-season and Ferguson reveals the attacker was finding it difficult to wield an influence on games.
“Players sometimes don’t realise how difficult it is to play at our level as every game is a Cup final for our opponents so I just hope he (Sheringham) can do it for us.”
Interestingly, Ferguson also writes of his frustrations at United’s then-strict wage structure that prevented them from breaking the bank for a ‘top-class striker’ – something he desperately wanted.
I still feel, as we discussed at the end of the season, that a top-class striker is what is needed and that is always going to be the problem at our club as the financial restraints will always stop us getting the best because of the wage structure and it’s such a pity because when you are at the top, you should buy the best to stop the others getting to you.”
Ferguson signs off in a heartfelt way – certainly going against the angry, ruthless stereotype he carried with him all through his career.
You are always welcome here and if you just pop in unexpectedly for a cup of tea – no fanfare – just for a chat as friends, that would mean more to me than anything. Eric, you know where I am if you need me and now that you are no longer one of my players, I hope you know you have a friend.”
Here's the incredible letter Sir Alex Ferguson sent Eric Cantona when he left Man United
WHEN ERIC CANTONA made the decision to walk away from Old Trafford in May 1997, it was a traumatic time for everyone involved with Manchester United – fans, players…and the manager too.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s new book ‘Leading’ includes an emotional letter from the legendary ex-United coach to Cantona, months after the Frenchman had announced his retirement from football.
Writing to the former striker at the beginning of the 1997/98 season, Ferguson tells Cantona that when training resumed after the summer break, ‘I kept waiting for you to turn up as normal’.
United had signed Teddy Sheringham in the off-season and Ferguson reveals the attacker was finding it difficult to wield an influence on games.
“Players sometimes don’t realise how difficult it is to play at our level as every game is a Cup final for our opponents so I just hope he (Sheringham) can do it for us.”
Interestingly, Ferguson also writes of his frustrations at United’s then-strict wage structure that prevented them from breaking the bank for a ‘top-class striker’ – something he desperately wanted.
Ferguson signs off in a heartfelt way – certainly going against the angry, ruthless stereotype he carried with him all through his career.
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