Football: Cantona contented at Old Trafford

ERIC CANTONA has pledged his future to Manchester United - verbally at least - in the happy aftermath of his triumph in the players' Player of the Year award.

The flamboyant Frenchman has apparently not let his five- match ban sour his view of the game in England. 'I hope I will stay a long time,' he said. 'I know I have often changed my mind before in my career but I deeply believe in what I am saying now.'

He said his award was for past achievements while what really interested him was the future. 'I want to win the Double in League and Cup and next season the European Cup.

'Manchester United is quite a young team and can handle things for the next five or six years. We have proved we are the best in England and now we must prove it in Europe.'

In acknowledging his becoming the first foreigner to win the award, he said: 'It's a pleasure to play in this magnificent English league. Manchester United trust me. Together we achieve something and I would be nothing without them.

'As long as I am happy, I will stay here, and I am happy. Why should I go somewhere else when I can play in an attacking team and the stadium is full? England is one of the greatest countries for football. Why should I go somewhere else when I can play in an attacking team and the stadium is full?'

United fixture tangle, page 35