We’ve never heard this one before.
It turns out Steve Bruce convinced Alex Ferguson to sign Eric Cantona when they were in the bath together.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Ferguson reveals in his new book Leading the strange story behind how he was first convinced to sign the enigmatic Frenchman.
Cantona moved to Old Trafford for £1.2 million from Leeds United in November 1992, and would have a galvanising effect on United as they won their first league title in 26 years.
The striker would go on to become a club legend, winning a further three league crowns and two FA Cups.
However, none of it would’ve happened if Ferguson hadn’t joined his players in a post-game bath following a game against Leeds.
As Sir Alex explains in his own words:
‘Listening provides an understanding of who people really are; what makes them tick.
‘After a game against Leeds United in 1992, I was in the bath with the players, which was highly unusual for me.
‘Listening to their analysis of the match, Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister were raving about Eric Cantona, the French striker Leeds had signed from Nimes.
‘Steve Bruce was particularly complimentary about Cantona’s abilities and somehow those comments planted a seed, which soon after led to us signing Eric and we all know how that turned out.
‘Listening, even just for a few moments, led to a decision which changed the landscape of Manchester United.’
We doubt Louis van Gaal will be joining his United players in the bath to gauge their thoughts on transfers.
