Liverpool could have prevented Cantona from becoming the icon of Manchester United, but Souness then signed

Former Liverpool boss Graeme Souness revealed he had missed the opportunity to take Eric Cantona to Anfield and prevent him from becoming a legend for arrivals from Manchester United.

The enigmatic talent had burned its bridges in its native France after the shock of Liverpool with Auxerre in 1991.

Michel Platini, who was the manager of the Blues at the time, informed Souness after the competition that he was looking to find a suitable setting in Cantona to showcase his talent.

The English clubs were eliminated and Leeds finally took a calculated risk on the mercurial striker in January 1992 after a trial period in Sheffield on Wednesday.

Cantona spent less than 12 months on Elland Road before being taken to Old Trafford, with Five memorable seasons with the Red Devils while helping Sir Alex Ferguson become the dominant force in English footballl.

Souness could have prevented this from happening, but the Scotsman was left to think about what could have been.

He said Sky Sports: "I was coach of Liverpool and we played Auxerre in the Cup Winners' Cup and we lost 2-0, we came back and we beat them 3-0.

"After the game, Terry Littlewood, who was in charge of the players' room and my room, for security reasons, knocked on my door and said that there was a friend at the hotel. 39; outside, who is a good friend of yours and wants to talk to you. "

"I said" who is this? "and he said" it's Michel Platini. "

"He came in and said," I have a player for you, that is a real problem in France, but he is very talented and it would be perfect for your club. "I said" look, Michel, I'm fighting fires here. Right now, I'm trying to get out some people who resist, I'm fighting a locker room here. The last thing I need is another controversial character.

"Eric, of course, came to trial with Sheffield on Wednesday, then signed with Leeds and the rest is history. When he went to United, it was a young team and the young players had need someone like that on the ground to admire. I think Eric he was certainly one of them. "

Cantona has played 185 games with United, helping them win four Premier League titles and two FA Cup wins.