In the court of the Crimson King

Very short paper round-up today, just basically detailing why the Daily Mirror is rubbish.

Eric Cantona speaking on Man United before Paul Scholes' testimonial on Friday.  You might have thought that would be news by itself.  But not for The Daily Mirror.  They just use it as excuse to crow about their "exclusive" from the other day.  Sod anyone who might want to read what the great man said.  Self-justification is where it's at apparently.  Note that they leave their exclusive an escape clause as well:

Inter Milan midfielder Sneijder is mulling over an offer to quit Serie A and become Old Trafford's record signing

He's thinking about it.  So even if their exclusive is a pack of lies, they can still claim, he decided against the move.  They were right either way.  It also seems very strange that they tag the Cantona quotes as an "exclusive" as well.  Even the picture of Cantona accompanying it is from the press conference where I assume he uttered the exclusive words - unless they've been hacking Cantona's phone...

Turn to The Guardian for what Cantona actually said.  He praises Manchester:

"I had a great time in Manchester," the former United striker said. "I cannot understand anyone not liking it, though I suppose it depends on where they come from and why they are here. The most important thing for me was always to play, and if you are at one of the best clubs in the world then you should enjoy it. As a professional footballer the greatest time you have is on the pitch, but I loved the city as well, the club and the people."

I wonder whether, unlike Tevez, it is the attitude of Cantona towards Manchester as much as his sublime skills which makes him a true legend, rather than a mere good footballer.  The Guardian point out he overshadowed Pele:

Sitting next to him at a press conference in Manchester's northern quarter was no less a personage than Pelé, the honorary president of Cosmos, but it spoke volumes for the popularity of Cantona in these parts that almost all the questions were addressed to the iconic Frenchman.

A few more quotes on the Cosmos and Manchester Utd as well.  Lesson learnt - if you want "exclusives" read the Mirror, if you want news, head elsewhere.