Cantona: Pep or I should be the United manager
WHEN Eric Cantona speaks, United fans listen.
However, his latest comments are bound to cause controversy after the Frenchman named Pep Guardiola as the man who should be in charge at Old Trafford instead of Jose Mourinho – who he says lacks ‘creativity’ and ‘fun’.
When asked about United’s start to the season, Cantona said it is too early to jump to conclusions, but the Reds legend is not convinced Mourinho is the man for United.
He said: “The way they play? Not good. The manager has them playing the wrong way for the fans. No fun, no creativity.
“I like Mourinho. He has a good personality, but not for United.”
Fans have shown their support for Mourinho in recent weeks, especially after the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham where they applauded the manager before he left the field.
So Cantona’s suggestion for the man who should be in charge instead will not go down well.
He said: “They should have [Pep] Guardiola as coach. He should be there, but he is doing magic with that other club. The club I cannot name.
“Listen. I joke about Manchester City but they are playing great football. It’s just that I think Guardiola should be at United.
“He is the spiritual child of Johan Cruyff – he played under Cruyff at Barcelona and learned everything from him.
“He’s the only person who should be at United.”
Some supporters may be more open to Cantona’s second alternative to Mourinho - himself.
“I would like to coach. If they called me, I would go. I would enjoy it. They know where I am. Then we would play creative football once again. “It would be great for the fans, like it was with Alex Ferguson – he allowed players to be creative, treated them as individuals. We all felt special with him. All felt loved. He was always praising. A good man. A good leader. “I am available if Manchester United want to call me and make me their coach. “I can come. I’m fit and healthy and I’m ready.” Eric Cantona