Gary Lineker revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson treated one Manchester United player differently from his team-mates.
Ferguson is celebrated among the greatest managers in history, having won 38 trophies across 26 years at Old Trafford, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues.
The Scot was known for his exceptional man-management, and at times, hardline approach to discipline.
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However, there was one player who he gave an easier ride than others, according to former England star Lineker.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast Lineker said: “I think famously Sir Alex Ferguson treated [Eric] Cantona very differently.
“He said, ‘He was a maverick’ but he recognised how important he was for the team. So I think you might make exceptions against your rules for the truly exceptional footballer.”
Co-host Alan Shearer added: “I totally, totally, totally agree with that. In terms of dress, you can get away with that. But I think the one thing you can’t get away with is a player constantly being late for training or for matches.
“Bobby Robson used to say ‘late for a tackle son, you cost my my f***ing job.”
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Cantona joined United from Leeds United and became an instant hit with fans, scoring nine times after arriving mid-way through the 1992-1993 campaign to inspire United to their first Premier League title.
He then netted 25 times the following year. The enigmatic Frenchman went on to win four titles in total at United while also lifting two FA Cups, to set the club on a trajectory that led to domestic dominance for decades.
On Cantona’s influence, Ferguson said last March, upon being inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame: 'When Eric Cantona came - he was a messiah. He transformed us. The confidence factor. There's no question about that.”
Topics: Football, Gary Lineker, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Manchester United, Eric Cantona
Chris Byfield