Frenchman’s role in United glory days

GERARD HOULLIER, who died yesterday aged 73, played a pivotal role in United’s illustrious history - by convincing Eric Cantona to come to England.

Prior to his six-year spell at Liverpool, Houllier worked as assistant manager to France national team boss Michel Platini, working closely with the soonto-be United legend.

Houllier believed Cantona needed to leave France after a turbulent period in his homeland which resulted in him declaring a temporary retirement from football in 1991, aged only 25.

The forward sealed a switch to Leeds United then, less than 12 months later, became a United player, joining Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in November 1992 for just £1.2million.

Ferguson revealed in his autobiography that Houllier played a role in United signing the forward from their rivals.

He wrote: “When we played Leeds earlier in the season and beat them 2-0, Bruce and Pallister were raving about him. I was talking to Gerard Houllier, who has a very high opinion of his abilities.

“The next few minutes were spent talking about Cantona’s reputation for being unorthodox and possibly disruptive. Obviously we had to consider the danger that he would be bringing too much awkward baggage with him.

“But, from what Houllier had said about him, it did not seem that he was the big bad wolf portrayed by the media, so I was prepared to bet on the Frenchman.”

Cantona helped the Reds lift four Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his time at Old Trafford.