“?Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has praised Jose Mourinho, who is expected to be named as Louis van Gaal’s replacement later this week, but said that the club will struggle to fully accept him.
Van Gaal’s departure was confirmed on Monday night after months of speculation, which reached a peak in the hours following Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley. Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes is said to be meeting with United’s Ed Woodward on Tuesday to finalise a deal for the ex-Chelsea boss to come to Old Trafford.
Eric Cantona: “?I love José Mourinho but he is not Manchester United.’ Exclusive, by @owen_g https://t.co/O2zXlSuEMB pic.twitter.com/I6VTuSZ8BS
Speaking to the Guardian, Cantona said: “I love José Mourinho, but in terms of the type of football he plays I don’t think he is Manchester United. I love his personality, I love the passion he has for the game, his humour. He is very intelligent, he demands 100% of his players. And of course he wins things.
“But I don’t think it’s the type of football that the fans of Manchester United will love, even if they win. He can win with Manchester United. But do they expect that type of football, even if they win? I don’t think so.”?
He revealed who he would have preferred to see take charge of United, saying: “Guardiola was the one to take. He is the spiritual son of Johan Cruyff. I would have loved to have seen Guardiola in Manchester [United]. He is the only one to change Manchester. He is in Manchester, but at the wrong one.”?
The Frenchman also claimed that he would be willing to return to United, but only as manager – saying: “I do many things and I’m very happy. But if they asked me to become the manager of Manchester United, I would. Because Guardiola is in Manchester City and they want someone to win things with wonderful football? It’s me.”
ERIC CANTONA’S #BPL STATS:
Appearances – 156
Goals – 70
Titles won – 4 pic.twitter.com/GiUnleyxTX
He continued: “Yes, I’m serious. I say that just because it’s like when you are in the pub or the club. When you say you don’t care, all the girls want you. Maybe if I say I don’t care about that job, they will ask me. If they asked me, I’d work very hard, of course.”?
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