CANTONA 'BEST EVER' - AS RUMOUR SURFACES
Cantona emerged as a surprise winner of the accolade of best ever player at Manchester United, ahead of players of the magnitude of George Best and Bobby Charlton.
Inevitably, with Sir Alex Ferguson set to retire from the manager's job in the summer of 2002, the popular figure has been lined up as a possible replacement.
The English media has stated that Cantona turned down a role at Greek side Olympiakos in the summer - although there is no indication as to why the news has only emerged now - and drawn the conclusion that the controversial star is waiting for an Old Trafford call.
Despite a seven month ban for his infamous kung-fu kick on a fan during the clash with Crystal Palace in 1995, Cantona's lynchpin role in bringing domestic triumph to United has pushed him to the top of a poll, conducted by the club's magazine for its 100th issue.
In a career riddled with suspension and controversy, Cantona's brilliance had nonetheless remained at the fore.
The French striker helped Leeds United to the league title, before Howard Wilkinson sold him to Manchester United for £1 million.
Another title swiftly followed - the first at the club for 26 years, and in the following seasons brought three more championships and two FA Cups to Manchester as United's dominance of domestic football increased.
Despite this success it remains something of a surprise that legend George Best was pipped to the title, in a top ten that includes Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson, Denis Law, Peter Schmeichel and Duncan Edwards and current players Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Roy Keane.
