Eric Cantona is returning to England to help coach Manchester United’s underage teams.
"Eric wants to get back into the game so we've given him the opportunity to help coach the young players at the start of next season," manager Alex Ferguson told the Manchester United website today.
"It's not an appointment, but a casual arrangement to allow Eric gain some experience of coaching."
The French midfielder, voted player of the century by Manchester United supporters last season, retired from soccer at the end of the 1996-97 season aged 30.
During his glittering but often controversial time at United he led the club to a league and cup double in 1995-96. He was England's footballer of the year in 1996.
Since his retirement Cantona has acted in several films and toured the world playing beach soccer.
- PA