Evra Hails Cantona Impact

Patrice Evra has thanked Eric Cantona for "opening the door" for Frenchmen to play for United.

Cantona became the Reds’ first-ever French player when he arrived from Leeds in 1992, and his five years with the Reds are the stuff of legend.

Evra remembers watching Cantona in action for United on television in France and believes the talismanic forward paved the way for him and other French players to succeed at Old Trafford.

In an interview to mark the launch of United's official French-language website, Evra said: "I already knew Cantona was 'The King' but I really discovered who he was when I arrived here. He is a legend.

"If French football players like me succeed at United, it is him who first opened the doors for us. We will never thank him enough for that.

"During my first season, I watched lots of Eric's DVDs and told myself 'you now know what the United fans are expecting from the French players.'"

French Reds
Nine Gallic players have played for United over the years…

Eric Cantona (1992-1997)
William Prunier (1995)
Mikael Silvestre (1999-2008)
Fabien Barthez (2000-2003)
Laurent Blanc (2001-2003)
David Bellion (2003-2006)
Louis Saha (2004-2008)
Patrice Evra (2006 to date)
Gabriel Obertan (2009 to date)

Cantona will return to Old Trafford on 5 August when he coaches New York Cosmos against United in Paul Scholes' testimonial.