Juan Mata has revealed his admiration for Eric Cantona 25 years after the mercurial Frenchman signed for Manchester United.
The current Red Devils midfielder previewed a busy week for the club in his latest blog post ahead of their trips to Watford on Tuesday evening and Arsenal at the weekend.
Mata also paid tribute to teammate Michael Carrick, who revealed he underwent surgery for a heart problem.
The Spaniard wrote highly of Cantona, who he says is the one former Old Trafford star he wishes he could have shared a dressing room with.
"This past Sunday marked the 25th anniversary to the day since Eric Cantona arrived at Manchester United," wrote Mata.
"He’s a true legend, and his personality makes him an idol to all the United fans even today. A different player, an artist.
"It would’ve been great to share the dressing room with him. I have a personal admiration for Eric."
Cantona has recently been critical of United boss Jose Mourinho, claiming his style of football is 'difficult to understand'.
"United always play in a good way, to enjoy the game," he told Full Time Devils. "Even in Sir Matt Busby's time, it was the philosophy of the club, a creative game with passing and movement.
"Also winning things is very important. Mourinho will win a lot of things with United. But me, I prefer more fancy and creative [manner of playing]. It is why I loved playing for United.
"I love Mourinho. It is just I prefer it if it is more offensive because it is United.
"It is like Barcelona. If Barcelona played in a defensive way, nobody would understand. At United, that philosophy is very strong and now it is a bit difficult to understand.
"But I think Mourinho will win things with them."