Faithful shaken as "god" retires

ERIC CANTONA'S decision to walk out on football after five glorious and controversy filled seasons at Old Trafford will stun the Manchester United faithful.

The former United boss, Tommy Docherty, described himself "surprised and disappointed" by Cantona's announcement.

"Eric is such a great player and I will certainly miss watching him. I thought he'd see out another season with United and have one last crack at the Champions' League. But nobody is irreplaceable, not even Eric Cantona.

"I'm sure there will be a huge disappointment from the fans to see a great player quit when he is still in the prime of his career and retiring so young, even though his form since Christmas hasn't been his best. But the view has to be The King is dead; Long live the King'. Somebody will always come along."

Former United star Paddy Crerand was equally surprised by the announcement. He said Cantona would remain in the minds of supporters for years. Cantona is a legend in Manchester. He will never ever be forgotten as long as he lives and even after he's gone. He's a super hero.

"He will go down along side the Busby Babes, Alex Ferguson Denis Law, Bobby Charlton. He'll not be forgotten at Old Trafford. A vast number of the people in Manchester will be in total mourning. But Eric's that type of person; if he feels it has to be done he'll do it."

Crerand said he thought there had been something odd about Cantona's reaction as United celebrated their title victory after their win over West Ham.

"There was something very strange that I noticed. The others were on the pitch but Eric stood there with his arms folded, looking around. I wondered what was going through his mind but now we know. I'm sure the fans will wish that they could have gone to Old Trafford one last time to say farewell."

Docherty suggested United did not have to look outside their ranks to find a replacement, naming Paul Scholes as the man who could inherit the mantle. Crerand agreed, and also suggested Juninho would be ideal for the champions.

Football Association chief executive Graham Kelly admitted he had been left stunned by Cantona's decision. "I am very surprised. Eric Cantona has had a great record and has been one of the main reasons for Manchester United's success over the last four or five years. He leaves at the top with another championship.

"He has a unique talent and vision and has played a significant part in the development of the young players who have come through at Old Trafford. Four or five England footballers are all the better for that."

Supporters' spokesman Andy Walsh said Cantona would be missed by all fans.

"I don't think there has been a player in my lifetime who has had a greater rapport with the supporters. Eric was one of us he loved the game. He has been tremendous, not just for this club, but English football in general. He brought a touch of magic to the pitch and been one of United's greatest ever players.

"He is up there alongside the likes of Duncan Edwards. Yet Eric has always remained close to the fans. He was always the last to leave the training ground; he was so busy signing autographs.

"If you met him on a night out, he would always speak to you. He always had time for people who loved the game."