Cantona was Man United's missing link, the final piece in a title-winning jigsaw that had taken 26 years to complete. He scored decisive goals, injected charisma and became an iconic figure. His face adorned billboards (1966 was a great year for English football – Eric was born) and United supporters relished the delicious irony that he had come their way having been carelessly discarded by a bitter rival.
Eighteen years on and history is beginning to repeat itself at Eastlands in the form of Tévez. The 25 year-old might lack the regal presence of Cantona, but his two-goal performance in Man City's 2-1 Carling Cup semi-final first-leg victory on Tuesday emphasised just what he has added to City and what United are missing.
It's an interesting comparison and I think there's something to it. It might be pushing it a bit to compare our position pre-Tévez to United's pre-Cantona - we're a few years behind - but it is certainly worth reading. If we go on to win something in the next year or so then this will look very prescient.
I'm waiting for him to kick someone in the head! Then I'll compare!
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