Eric Cantona’s move from Leeds to Manchester United in 1992 was somewhat controversial, due to the fact that manager Alex Ferguson was signing a player from fierce rivals, but the £1.2m the Red Devils paid for the Frenchman proved to be an absolute bargain.

With his collar up and his chest out, the striker became an instant hit in the Stretford End. United had started the 1992/93 season pretty disappointingly but they only lost twice in the league after Cantona’s arrival in November, going on to win their first title in 26 years comfortably by ten points.

Cantona’s most successful campaign, though, came in his second year at the club. He scored 25 goals in all competitions as they won the league and cup double. He was also named the PFA Player of the Year.

However, the striker was never far from controversy. After being sent off in a match against Crystal Palace in January 1995, he lashed out with a ‘Kung fu’ kick on a fan in the crowd. It resulted in Cantona being banned for eight months, whilst also being convicted of assault which saw him serve 120 hours of community service.

The incident only added to the legend around Cantona, whose larger than life character was well known both on and off the pitch. He returned from his suspension in October 1995 to help guide United to another league and cup double, scoring the winner in the 1996 FA Cup final against Liverpool.

After one more season at Old Trafford, Cantona abruptly called it a day as a professional footballer, having played a key role in cementing United’s dominance of the Premier League in the 90s.