Overseas stars: Forwards

United's all-time top four foreign strikers scored 424 goals between them...

ERIC CANTONA
Nationality French
Miles from M16? The enigmatic forward followed the trawler for 785 miles from Marseille to M16
Signed November 1992 from Leeds, for £1.2million
Service Five seasons (1992-97); 185 games, 82 goals.
Backstory When Leeds made an inquiry about signing Denis Irwin, it was returned with interest: “No chance. What about selling us Cantona instead?” Leeds were willing to do business and the restless nomad finally found a home worthy of him.
Impact Never has the phrase ‘final piece in the jigsaw’ been truer. Eric is undoubtedly our greatest ever foreign signing, and one of the finest players to ever wear the Red shirt – all for just over a million quid. The immediate effect Cantona had on United is the stuff of history. The Frenchman’s vision, passing, determination and finishing was second to none. His passion galvanised the team, leading them out of the wilderness to their first title in 26 years. He was the inspiration for two incredible doubles. He scored crucial goals. And he did it with unbelievable panache and verve. “It’s a love story,” he said of his relationship with the fans, who still sing his name proudly at every possible opportunity. Quite simply The King.
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