NEIL MOXLEY Ibra’s giant personality can electrify United ... just like King’ Cantona
Follow us on Twitter: @peoplesport ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC’S arrival at Old Trafford was greeted in typically understated fashion by Eric Cantona.
“The King is dead,” wrote the Frenchman, “long live the Prince.”
For a couple of months at least, the heir- apparent to Cantona’s throne looked anything but a royal-in-waiting.
Sluggish and off the pace – before the defeat at Chelsea, my fellow columnist Stan Collymore wanted him axed – the sublime ponytail was more pauper than prince.
But it takes even world- class performers time to adjust to the unique pace and nature of the Premier League.
Having taken time to soak in the splendour and magnitude of his surroundings, the 35-year-old is currently very much lord of all he surveys.
And now there is also a clear opportunity for Ibrahimovic to be lauded in the same hushed tones as his predecessor.
Charisma
Back in 1992 when Cantona arrived from Leeds United, Sir Alex Ferguson had not yet ended Manchester United’s lengthy wait for a title.
The club was struggling to believe in itself.
Yet, as Roy Keane put it afterwards, “Eric glided into the arena as if he owned the place. He led by his charisma.”
Cantona was the fuel injection Manchester United needed before hitting top gear.
On the pitch, his form was the catalyst. Off it, the example he set on the training ground influenced the most important generation of footballers any English club has developed, possibly since the Second World War.
Looking on from the sidelines were Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and the rest of the class of ’92.
Cantona’s legacy was the work ethic, drive and belief that those players saw.
It underpinned Manchester United’s success.
Yes, they were great players. But the key to their achievements was bearing witness to what it took. “Talent is nothing without hard work” is a sign which sits in dressing rooms throughout this football-obsessed country of ours.
By the time Cantona quit, United had won four titles in five seasons.
That potential had been turned into outstanding talent.
Of course, the circumstances surrounding Ibrahimovic’s arrival are somewhat different.
The stardust sprinkled on the place by Ferguson had drifted off into the atmosphere. Two managers had been and gone before Jose Mourinho arrived.
Neither had recaptured the essence of the glory days.
The trend of signings who “weren’t Manchester United players” had started under Ferguson. Somehow, a core of those who were, such as Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Rio Ferdinand stemmed the tide from engulfing Old Trafford.
Since then, a succession of highlypriced imports has failed to straddle the gulf. Until Ibrahimovic, that is. We knew he possessed an ego to match his manager’s.
Catalyst
But, like his boss – particularly during the Special One’s early days at Chelsea – he had the ability to back it up.
In the early days of the season, it was difficult to see.
But, as time wears on, Ibrahimovic’s value is steadily being seen. Seventeen goals, so far this season. However, like Cantona, there is more value to be had from Ibrahimovic than merely his ability in front of goal. We’re told about his ferocious appetite to win.
At the age of 35, with absolutely nothing to prove to anyone, he’s setting the standards. By comparison, Cantona had been retired five years at this point.
All of a sudden, there is a figure around which to rally. A proper world-class performer that United can look towards.
Back in 1992, Cantona was the missing piece of the jigsaw. Ibrahimovic is not that. Time waits for no man – and that is the ingredient he does not have.
But, like the man who passed before him one generation earlier, he can act as that catalyst.
To raise standards and lift Manchester United back to the top of English football once more.