United 1 Arsenal 0 Old Trafford, 19 September, 1993
While renowned for his artistry and craft, Eric had brute force in spades. His ability to do the most effective thing meant that he often resorted to simplicity - in this case, just wallop it in the top corner. 30 yards out, against England's number one, but only the reinforced netting prevented there from being Stretford End casualties.
United 2 QPR 1 Old Trafford, 30 October, 1993
As well as the big occasions, Cantona could also take care of more humdrum opponents. A list of forgotten men are reeled off as he nudges the ball around Alan McDonald, speeds towards Clive Wilson and Darren Peacock before drilling a low shot past Jan Stejskal. Fans of old-fashioned physical football will appreciate Mark Hughes' subtle block on Peacock in the build-up.
United 1 Blackburn 0 Old Trafford, 22 January, 1995
Ignore the fact that he was inside the six yard box, this was one of the King's crowning moments. His final act in the 1994/95 season (prior to his Selhurst Park antics and his press conference tomfoolery) was this vital winner against Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn. Having sprinted and contorted to get on the end of Giggsy's cross, a regal nod was all that was required to put United - albeit temporarily - back ahead of Rovers in an absorbing title race.
United 1 Arsenal 0 Old Trafford, 20 March 1996
A rare lack of communication between David Seaman and his defence left Cantona with a loose ball, some 30 yards from goal. That Seaman was still back-pedalling as Eric unleashed a volley goalwards mattered not. Old 'Safe Hands' could have been atop a ladder and he still would have been helpless, so vicious was the dip on the shot as it clipped the underside of the bar and secured three priceless points towards the title.
United 1 Tottenham 0 Old Trafford, 24 March, 1996
With six goals in his previous eight games, Eric was the poster boy for United's 1995/96 title charge, striking winner after winner in a virtuoso run of form, including this decisive strike in a tense clash with Spurs. Having picked the ball up around halfway and drifted infield, Cantona's confidence was clearly overflowing as he opted - successfully - to drill home a left-footed winner past Ian Walker.
United 1 Liverpool 0 Wembley Stadium, 11 May, 1996
Perhaps the dullest FA Cup Final on record, but still one of the sweetest to recall after Cantona sealed his own redemption and the Double Double. After error-prone goalkeeper David James had flapped comically at Beckham's corner, the ball broke to Eric on the edge of the area. No matter that he needed to almost dislocate his hip to deal with the awkward bounce; the ball arrowed through a mêlée of hapless, exhausted Liverpool players before nestling beautifully in the only chink of goal he could aim for.
United 5 Sunderland 0 Old Trafford, 21 December, 1996
Close your eyes and you can still see it. A quick pirouette on the halfway line to evade two defenders, then a breakneck chase goalwards, a drumskin-tight one-two with Choccy and then the most sumptuous of chips in off the post. Simply glorious, and notable for the hallmark celebration; a slow-motion 360 degree turn to all corners of Old Trafford as if to say: "yep, that just happened."
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