Cantona names former Liverpool midfielder as finest team-mate

Joe Williams

Eric Cantona has named former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister as his best teammate.

Cantona enjoyed five stellar years at Manchester United, becoming an icon, and winning four Premier League titles.

The Frenchman was an enigma in his playing days – his retirement in 1997 was described as the “luckiest day” in Sir Alex Ferguson’s managerial career.

Now 50, Cantona remains unpredictable, naming former Liverpool midfielder McAllister as his greatest teammate.

The two played together at Leeds, winning the First Division title in 1992.

Cantona made the admission at a one-man show earlier this week. Asked who his favourite teammate was, his reply of McAllister was met with boos from a crowd made up of a majority of Manchester United fans.

He was then asked what his favourite goal was that he ever scored.

“My favourite goal has never been scored,” he replied. “I’d loved to have scored a goal where the keeper rolls it out and every player in the team touches the ball just once.  It is simplicity but the hardest thing to do.”

The Old Trafford legend even discussed his kung-fu kick on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons in 1995.

“I’ve said before I should have kicked him harder but maybe tomorrow I’ll say something else,” he added.

“I cannot regret it. It was a great feeling. I learned from it — I think he (Simmons) learned too.

“Nine months was a long time out and I struggled for a time but thanks to Ferguson we won the Double with a new generation.”