Teaser Trailer: The Lost Tapes Episode One: Cantona

Manchester United: The Lost Tapes. Stories from United's rich history, told in a way you've never heard before.

Episode 1 Teaser Trailer.

Few footballers have had a transformative impact to compare with that of Eric Cantona at Manchester United. When he arrived at Old Trafford from Leeds United, the club were still licking their wounds after passing 25 years without a league title.

Ironically, marking the occasion by coming agonisingly close in a battle with Cantona's then club. In November 1992, the relationship between Cantona and Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson had deteriorated. Cantona had scored the Premier League's first ever hat trick, and his immense talent was not in doubt.

But his discipline was. Wilkinson had brought Cantona to Leeds as recently as January, after the Frenchman had been effectively thrown out of his domestic league. The Leeds manager was known as Sergeant Wilko for a reason. However, so too was Eric, nicknamed Enfant Terrible. Wilkinson found himself with an unexpected solution when he attempted to strengthen his defense.

He needed a fullback, so he asked his chairman, Bill Fotherby, to inquire whether Manchester United would allow Dennis Irwin to return to Elland Road. United chairman Martin Edwards said no, but, after a brief discussion with Alex Ferguson, made a counter offer. Could Manchester United sign Eric Cantona? A deal was swiftly agreed. 

This is Manchester United, The Lost Tapes. Stories from United's rich history, told in a way you've never heard before.

Written by Wayne Barton, narrated by Patrick Barclay and produced by Ed Barker.

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