Eric Cantona was asked who will win the league between Manchester City and Liverpool, and his reply was classic. Pep Guardiola’s side sit top of the Premier League table on goal difference with Liverpool in second and victory against United on Sunday would see Jurgen Klopp’s side go three points clear at the top. United sit in fourth having endured their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign and Cantona admitted to Paddy Power it hurt to see United’s fiercest rivals doing so well.
Cantona also said it has hurt to see Liverpool and Manchester City playing so well especially given Manchester United’s poor start to the season.
“It hurts a lot. But they play wonderful football,” he said. “But now, if United had started the season 10 games ago, they would be top of the league. City and Liverpool play nice attacking football, now and score plenty of goals, which is like Man United. They have the philosophy we did – enjoyment.
“Of course, if they (United) keep playing like this, they still have a chance, no? (Of winning the league) I remember during my time, we were 12 points behind Newcastle and we won the league – so we have to hope and dream.”
Although he joked about United still being able to clinch the league title United’s former captain actually predicted they would finish fourth with City clinching the title. The Frenchman was then pushed on who he would prefer to win the league out of City and Liverpool.
“Nobody,” he replied. “It’s like asking me if I’d prefer to have my teeth made of wood or my legs of sponge.”
Meanwhile, Gareth Bale is reportedly prepared to accept a transfer to Manchester United despite approaches from Chelsea. The Wales international is definitely leaving Real Madrid this summer after a difficult time in Spain, with Premier League clubs queuing up for him ahead of next season. Tottenham also appear keen to re-sign Bale, while Liverpool were also linked with an interest in the 29-year-old a few months ago. At the moment, however, Man Utd seem in pole position as Diario Gol claim Bale favours a move to Old Trafford over any other offers.
This is despite Chelsea, it would seem, trying particularly hard to hijack any deal and try to lure the former Spurs star to Stamford Bridge instead. United could do with Bale as an upgrade on the struggling Alexis Sanchez, and it seems he could now be on his way. Various recent reports have suggested Real will let the Welshman go as long as they receive offers in the region of £104million. While that’s a lot to pay for a player with his recent poor record of fitness and form, a return to the Premier League seems just what Bale needs to revive his career.