Eric Cantona: Man Utd lied about Frenchman’s transfer fee from Leeds

The rivalry between Leeds United and Manchester United is one of the oldest and fiercest derbies in English football history.

Originating from the divide between Yorkshire and Lancashire counties, there have been some huge battles in the Roses Derby over the years and the two sides will play off against each other this Sunday at Elland Road.

Both teams are desperate for a win, with the home side looking to put more distance between them and the relegation zone, while Ralf Rangnick’s outfit will be optimistic that they can deflect recent reports of dressing room unrest by securing three points this afternoon.

Indeed, getting a win over one of their long-standing rivals would certainly go some way in helping increase the German manager’s favour amongst the Red Devils’ fanbase.

Hostilities between the two clubs have raged for centuries, but that bitter hatred was made even worse in 1992 when Leeds sold Eric Cantona to their rivals in what would turn out to be a very fortuitous transfer for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, much to the dismay of Leeds supporters.

Back then, United had lost their main striker Dion Dublin to injury and Ferguson had his eyes on signing Alan Shearer, who was smashing goals in at Blackburn Rovers.

With his side slowly starting to drop in form, the pressure mounted on Ferguson to bring in a new frontman.

But in a strange turn of events, then-Man Utd chairman Martin Edwards received a phone call from Leeds chairman Bill Fotherby to inquire about the availability of left-back Dennis Irwin.

Their proposition was ultimately rejected by United, but the idea of purchasing Cantona was then touted.

The Frenchman had reportedly fallen out with Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson at the time, and considering the