The legendary Red Devils coach: The road to success

"The returning Cantona displayed his magical ability, becoming the man of the match with an assist and a goal against the sworn enemy Liverpool. He lived up to the eager expectations of millions of Manchester United fans. As soon as he came back, he used his unique temperament and mysterious charm to awaken the hidden spirit of the Red Devils, strengthened the team's already terrifying offensive power, and also gave birth to the powerful strength of the Red Devils hidden behind the chaos."

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The Premier League used the Red Devils' home game against Liverpool to welcome Cantona's return, which was really thoughtful and ingenious.

Manchester United vs Liverpool, it's exciting just to think about it! This is England's most watched national derby, a battle between the two most arrogant red teams!

The media packaged this match as Cantona's first game after his comeback, and gave it various gimmicks that "can influence the ecology of British football". Cantona's return to the Theatre of Dreams after many setbacks not only satisfied the desire and expectations of the Red Devils fans, but also brought a new topic to the world of football, that is, how will he perform?

Not only that, the media also created a topic of competition between the two teams' youth training. The competition between the Red Devils' Class of 92 and Liverpool's "Spicy Boys" has become increasingly fierce this season. Unlike the Red Devils' Class of 92, which became more and more popular later and had an influence beyond England and even the football world, the youth teams of the two teams received similar attention back then. Both teams have always been famous for their youth training, with many young talents under their command, and both have extremely talented rising stars. In this season's confrontation between the two teams' young people, both are aggressive.

The Red Devils fans are of course very familiar with the players of their own youth training class of 92, and Liverpool's youth training "Spicy Boys" actually have many familiar names: Reece Knapp, Fowler, Gerrard, Owen, McManaman... Strictly speaking, these new stars of Liverpool are not inferior to the Red Devils class of 92 in English football. The media also created this topic, the youth team versus the youth team, who is the strongest side?

In addition to the competition between the youth teams, the hatred between the Red Devils and Liverpool teams, the conflicts between the two teams and the fierce emotions of the fans' confrontation were constantly ignited before the game. The Red Devils' fans almost packed Old Trafford before the game, and even the square outside the stadium was crowded with fans. The Red Devils' fans spread slogans supporting Cantona and the "7" jersey in every corner of the Theatre of Dreams. The game attracted great attention from all parties, and even Cantona's father came to Old Trafford to watch the game for the first time.

Even before the game, the Red Devils fans clashed with the Liverpool fans who came to Manchester to watch the game. The tough and rough fans were not vegetarians, and the two sides soon clashed in a street bar. Manchester specially increased security forces for this purpose, and quickly suppressed the commotion of the diehard fans of the two teams.

Against Liverpool, this was the best welcome and arrangement for Cantona from the Red Devils. He appeared on the stage of the Theatre of Dreams, calmly looking around the stadium, and he was still the protagonist of everyone. The focus of the fans on the green field was still the silent but still sharp French striker.

Let's remember this game, the magical performance of the King of Old Trafford, whose splendor caught us off guard from the start. Just 60 seconds into the game, the Red Devils attacked, and Cole passed the ball to Cantona who was on the left. Cantona, who had not played in any game for 248 days, received the ball on the left side of the frontcourt. He was still agile and confident. He moved forward a little, controlled the ball, advanced a short distance, and then passed it to the penalty area with his left foot. The pass landed precisely at the back of the Liverpool penalty area, and neither player was able to grab the ball immediately. The ball bounced on the ground and then jumped forward. Nicky Butt's timing was very accurate, and he got an unforgettable performance opportunity. He caught the ball after it bounced on the ground, stopped and dribbled past the opponent's defender, and directly entered the small penalty area. Facing the opponent's attacking goalkeeper, he accurately lobbed the ball into the net.

The Red Devils lead 1-0!

It took the King less than a minute to help the Red Devils get off to a dream start with an assist.

Liverpool, who were behind, did not admit defeat. Their young players were full of vigor and did not intend to just watch and cheer. In the 33rd minute, Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler began to show his strength. He found the gap between Gary and Bruce on the left, received McMaraman's through pass, dribbled the ball into the penalty area and scored with a powerful shot!

1-1, Liverpool tied the score.

Liverpool took the first step in the second half. It was Fowler who used a trick to squeeze Gary Neville away, and received a straight pass from his teammate in almost the same area in the first half. He then went straight to the goal and fooled Schmeichel with a lob shot.

2 to 1, Liverpool took the lead!

For a period of time afterwards, the Red Devils fell into a brief chaos. However, Cantona quickly calmed his teammates down, quickly held his ground, and launched a fierce attack on the opponent. In the 70th minute, Cantona retreated to get the ball, and after getting the ball in the midfield, he quickly turned around and dribbled the ball directly into the opponent's hinterland in the middle of the midfield. Liverpool's central midfielder rushed to grab the ball, but was easily passed by Cantona. Then Cantona continued to dribble the ball to the vicinity of the penalty area line, and at this time both Liverpool defenders came up to intercept. Cantona's dribbling attack triggered his teammates to make off-ball insertions, and Giggs even rushed directly into the penalty area from Cantona's side at high speed. Cantona immediately saw the opportunity and gently passed the ball diagonally to his teammates. Cantona's pass seemed effortless, and Giggs received it very easily, but the judgment of timing, the choice of route, and the breakthrough of the opponent's interception all reflected a high level of perfection. After receiving the ball, Giggs rushed into the Liverpool penalty area at high speed, and Redknapp, who was left behind by him, had to knock him down from behind. The referee Elle directly awarded a penalty kick, and Cantona easily scored the penalty under pressure!

2-2, the Red Devils equalized the score.

The Manchester Evening News wrote a special section about the penalty kick after the game to help fans who were unable to attend the game understand Cantona's heroic performance. "Cantona ignored the fact that he had just returned to the game after being released from suspension. He seemed to have never been under such pressure. He believed that he would definitely score the penalty kick and there would be no accidents. Cantona walked directly to the 12-yard spot. He only did what he should do: an easy run-up, then stared into the eyes of goalkeeper James, predicted the direction of the opponent's save, and then shot in the opposite direction... Cantona had no need for superstition and no hesitation. He shot and scored easily and directly, just like passing it from his left hand to his right hand. His shot was so certain that it was like telling the opponent that the goalkeeper would not be able to save it."

The entire Red Devils team celebrated wildly for the Frenchman's goal, but Cantona rushed into the crowd again after scoring the goal. He jumped onto the pillar supporting the goal and performed an extremely unique "pole dance", spinning and waving to greet the fans, calling on everyone to celebrate together.

At this moment, pure joy enveloped his face, and the excitement of scoring a goal made him feel proud and excited. For the Frenchman, the painful and sad experience was finally over.

In the following 20 minutes, the Red Devils continued to attack the opponent, while Liverpool held back their defense with a tough attitude, and their steals and interceptions were extremely rough. Giggs and Cole both had good chances in front of the goal, and Cantona, who was closely guarded, had a chance to shoot directly and almost scored, but unfortunately, the opponent's goalkeeper James saved it, defusing the dangerous situation again and again, and finally the Red Devils' offensive was like a tide, but it was still fruitless.

The Red Devils failed to win the game 2-2, but all the Red Devils fans thought it was a "victory" - their king was back, and in such a perfect way. This was more important than anything else, especially the aura of Cantona on the field. The Red Devils players would not panic even if they fell behind. They firmly believed that with Cantona, "everything would be hopeful and everything was under control."

The media was full of praise. The Guardian said, "After 249 days of suspension, Cantona took 67 seconds to rediscover his dominance!"

The Daily Mail said, "Cantona, who was focused on playing football, was terrifying. On this cold January night, he ignited the passion of the entire stadium. It was a shocking fact that the entire Liverpool team could not stop him even if they tried their best. His outstanding talent was unstoppable. This is not just a festival for the Red Devils fans. We should also be happy to see such a wonderful performance. This is a moment that deserves celebration and not blame."

Sky Sports got the opportunity to interview Cantona directly. The Frenchman said, "I'm back, but it's not something that can be easily said in a few words. Such a game is very difficult. I haven't been in the team for 10 months. We have gone through a process of ups and downs. Although we didn't win in the end, I think this is a victory. I dedicate this game to my father, my head coach Ferguson, and the entire Manchester United team. Everything I have belongs to the Manchester United fans and my supporters. For more than half a year, I have felt guilty for the fans who supported me, and I hope to repay them now. I want a wonderful start and I will get into the state as soon as possible."

Liverpool watched Cantona take away their comeback. Redknapp later said, "I was awarded a penalty for pushing Giggs, but it was a controversial penalty. I think I touched the ball first. Eric was not too threatening before that, but you knew he would score. Don't ask me why, we just knew it."

"His celebration after scoring was famous. He ran behind the goal and climbed onto the pole where the net was hung to celebrate. This method was unprecedented and no one seems to have done it again. We were a bit unlucky because Cantona returned in this game. When he walked into the Theatre of Dreams, it was like a king leading a group of gladiators into the Colosseum. He always had a special temperament."

The return of the King boosted the spirit of the Red Devils. Cantona made a special speech in the locker room after the game. He said: "I am really dying of exhaustion. I felt that I couldn't run at all in the first game. But you guys are very enthusiastic and motivated, which inspired me to hold on to the end. I hope to win with you in future games and crush these unreliable opponents in a more relaxed way. Don't ask why, I just feel that way, we just want to despise them."

In the post-match interview, Ferguson said, "When the game ended, Eric said he was exhausted, which is normal. He played a high-intensity game without any reservation and invested everything in victory. I am proud of this. We should have played 4-2, but even if we didn't win, I still think it is very positive."

Ferguson said: "What is the most important thing to me? Of course Cantona. I am very happy that he has performed so well, which means that our strength will be doubled."

Reporters from the Red Devils' official TV station had the privilege of interviewing Cantona, and they immediately produced an exclusive interview video to show everyone Cantona's journey back to the Red Devils.

Cantona admitted that he couldn't believe that he was wearing the Manchester United jersey again, because it was not easy for him. It was an extremely difficult decision to return to Manchester United after being suspended for such a long time. After the kick, Cantona was disappointed with the club's top management. The summer turmoil made him determined to leave England and not have anything to do with Manchester United. Inter Milan sent officials to France to talk to Cantona, and Chairman Moratti even called Cantona to persuade him to join Inter Milan.

Cantona said, "What was the reason that prompted me to stay in the end? It was because of Ferguson. I will always be grateful to him for flying to Paris to find me in the summer. I remember that time, he talked to me like a kind father. It was after that conversation that I made up my mind."

Cantona also admitted that the love of the fans is also very important. "I have never met people like the Manchester United fans. They gave me unreserved trust, love and support. In the summer after I returned to France, many Manchester United fans flew to France to see me. I didn't meet them one by one, but they didn't mind. Even if they just left a message, they gave me the simplest support and encouragement. I love these fans. When I am with them, I always feel like I'm home."

This is Cantona, the Cantona with unique charm.