Cantona: Martial reminds me of Ronaldo

Eric Cantona has spoken of his admiration for fellow countryman and Manchester United striker Anthony Martial after a superb debut season with the Reds and the club legend has likened Martial to Brazilian forward Ronaldo.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner was the best striker in world football in his pomp, winning two World Cups and countless other trophies during an illustrious career which included spells at Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Ronaldo’s pace, trickery and deadly finishing ability helped him secure his place in football history as one of the greatest forwards of all time and Cantona says what he’s seen so far of Martial in his first campaign at Old Trafford has reminded him of the great Brazilian.

“He’s very mature for his age. I think he’s the same kind of player as Ronaldo. Of course Ronaldo is a Brazilian, but he’s as strong as him. Martial is skilful, he wants to score goals and he has good vision,” Cantona told MUTV in an exclusive interview.

“At Manchester it’s a great club for young players when you are in the Academy and also when you are 18/19/20 years old. [At that age] you need to go and play for a great team and also you need to work with people who will help you because you’re still a young player, just as Ronaldo, the Portuguese Ronaldo, did when he came to play for United and for Ferguson.

“He had the opportunity to win trophies but also Ferguson helped him to be the player he is today. And I think he [Martial] has been very clever to choose Manchester United.”

Cantona was speaking to MUTV as part of a special visit to Old Trafford recently which has helped raise money for The Hôpital Necker - Enfants Malades in Paris.

You can watch the full 15-minute interview with the United legend on MUTV, which is free-to-air throughout Saturday, in the build-up to the FA Cup final, including Eric’s memories of the ’96 Wembley showpiece and Double Double triumph, 20 years ago.

More: Watch what Eric had to say about Martial by clicking the play button above.