How Zlatan Compares To Cantona

"That imperious look, theatrical swagger and poise."

This description, taken from our review of Eric Cantona's glittering Manchester United career, befits very few footballers, past and present.

Rarely are we treated to players of such a special disposition, whose personalities earn them cult hero status in the stands, and whose self-assurance can be harnessed and crafted into brands of their own. Not many depart Old Trafford with a moniker like 'The King' but, in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, confirmed as the club’s second signing of the summer on Friday, we may have found a near match.

Plucked from across the Pennines in 1992, Cantona arrived in Manchester from rivals Leeds United unfazed by the prospect of playing at the Theatre of Dreams, instead taking the challenge in his stride. The Frenchman was credited with a rapid upturn in the Reds' fortunes, with many citing his introduction as a key moment in sparking what would become a long period of success. It wasn't just his immense talent which won the hearts of the faithful, though. With Cantona's ability came a certain unpredictability, he was an edge-of-your-seat kind of character, with or without the ball at his feet.

The club’s long-standing affection for flair players is no secret, and Eric was certainly one of those. Everything from the striker’s upturned collar and cryptic quotes to his knack for turning a match on its head brought with it the curiosity and admiration of fellow players and supporters alike, and it’s that nonchalant brilliance which fans can now look forward to again next season with Zlatan. Like Cantona, Ibrahimovic is a massive personality with unquestionable pedigree, and a confidence matched in size only by his footballing brilliance.

Granted there are differences in playing style and Zlatan joins the Reds at a later stage of his career than Eric did, but this is a man who shows no signs of slowing down. He scored fifty goals for club and country in 2015/16, won Ligue 1’s Golden Boot and was named Sweden’s Footballer of the Year for the ninth consecutive season.

A host of former players, including ex-United stars Peter Schmeichel, Phil Neville and Ray Wilkins, have opined that Ibrahimovic is a perfect fit for the club and could be a talismanic figure like Cantona. This is arguably the first time since Eric's shock retirement in May 1997 that so many of his traits will have been apparent in a new arrival. These are players who make a mark, and it’s that raw talent and palpable self-assurance possessed by both which makes this move all the more intriguing.

Cantona was the final piece in Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-winning puzzle, and Ibrahimovic could be just as integral in Jose Mourinho's first campaign. The Swede arrived with a simple message - "it's Zlatan time" - and there's a sense this could mark the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford. History is often a good indicator, and this is a move which promises, if nothing else, entertainment both on and off the pitch. One thing's for sure, Zlatan will be backing himself to succeed. Let’s sit back and enjoy the ride.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be considered as representative of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com