Soccer: 'What United job?' - Cantona
Eric Cantona has confirmed that a return to Manchester United in a part-time coaching role is still an option for him, although he denies reports he has been actually offered a job at Old Trafford.
And he insists United dare not make a mistake when they pick the man who will take over as Old Trafford supremo from Alex Ferguson who retires at the end of next season.
He believes that Johan Cruyff the former Holland star and Barcelona coach, would ideally fit the bill.
Cantona, the controversial French star who won four Premiership titles with United but suddenly quit soccer to become an actor, is in Dublin on a three-day junket as part of a tour to promote the new Budweiser European Professional Beach Football League in which he will represent his country.
It has been suggested that Ferguson has offered him a job coaching the Old Trafford youngsters next season and that it could even lead to him taking over as boss when the Scot retires next year.
But Cantona said: "What job? I have heard these stories but I just think some people are trying to use me. The press write many stories for different reasons.
"All that has happened is that he (Alex) asked me if I wanted to be a manager one day and I said I’m not sure.
"He asked if I could come back in three months and try the coaching to see if I liked it, but I’m still not sure.
"I don’t need to do it. I don’t need anything. I am lucky I have choices but I’ll do it if I like it."
Cantona, now 35, admitted "I miss the adrenalin of sport and that’s why I have become involved with beach football. It is a real sport and I take it seriously. You have to be fit.
"But if I do come back to soccer I will not just go anywhere and Manchester United would be one of the places I might go."
Cantona has coached youngsters before, as part of the community service punishment he was handed by a court after being convicted of an assault on a Crystal Palace fan during a United match at Selhurst Park.
He said: "I am still involved in an acting career and will be doing a project in Cuba soon. I plan to stay there two months. Then I will see where I want to go next."
Cantona admits he is amazed that United have decided to cut all ties with Ferguson and not offer him an ambassadorial role once he retires at Old Trafford.
He said: "I think it is a shame - especially for the fans.
"You meet a lot of crazy people in life," he said, "and maybe there is somebody crazy enough at the club not to respect Alex enough."
And Cantona warned that United must make sure they appoint the right successor to Ferguson.
He said: "If I was the chairman, which I am not because I am not rich enough, I would want to be sure the next manager after Alex was also a man with a very strong personality - somebody like Johan Cruyff."
