Soccer: McIlroy says Best is king of Old Trafford

Sammy McIlroy disagrees with the choice of Eric Cantona as Manchester United's all-time greatest player - saying George Best should have won the award by a street.

Sammy McIlroy disagrees with the choice of Eric Cantona as Manchester United's all-time greatest player - saying George Best should have won the award by a street.

Cantona won a poll organised by United's official magazine, edging out Best into second place.

But Old Trafford legend McIlroy believes that Best was the complete footballer, eclipsing not only French genius Cantona but virtually every other player in history.

Northern Ireland boss McIlroy told Ananova.com: "I think Cantona was a fantastic player but not the best that United have ever had. Although Cantona was a big factor in the development of lots of kids at Old Trafford, for me, Best had it all.

"He could head, tackle and do anything he wanted - he was the complete footballer and that's why he was the greatest.

"But Cantona was the man in form and for Sir Alex Ferguson to pick him up for a million pounds or whatever was a fantastic piece of business.

"He had a lot of ability and was just what Ferguson needed at the time. And there's no doubt that United wouldn't be where they are now, heading for the last eight of the Champions League, without his influence."

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