Ferguson: Becks, Nev, Scholes & Co. Idolised Cantona

Much is made of Alan Hansen’s infamous quote ‘you won’t win anything with kids’ at the start of the 1995-1996 season, with our lads going on to win the Double in May.

In the squad on the first day of the season were 20-year-olds David Beckham, Gary Neville, John O’Kane, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, and 18-year-old Phil Neville.

What seems to overlooked is that whilst our youngsters did really well that season, we did have Eric Cantona from October onwards, who scored in every other league game. But aside from his goals, it was his presence that had a massive impact. As Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed today, those youngsters idolised him.

Ferguson is doubtful over whether Wayne Rooney will be our captain though but it does beg the question, could our young players not idolise Rooney one day?

“It’s difficult for a forward to be captain,” said Ferguson. “Eric Cantona was because he was such an influence to young players, they idolised him. But normally you look at midfielders or defenders. Wayne will always take responsibility, he has a natural desire for that and will always give 100 per cent.”