'Terrible' Man Utd news disappoints Cantona as he clings to title dream

Eric Cantona is still hoping to see Manchester United challenge for the Premier League title, but admits it is “terrible” to see arch-rivals leading that particular pursuit at present.

The Red Devils entered the 2018-19 campaign – Jose Mourinho’s third at the helm – hoping to force their way back into contention for the English top-flight crown.

Having ended last season empty-handed, there is an expectation at Old Trafford for major silverware to be secured this term.

United have, however, stumbled out of the blocks to sit eighth in the table, while also crashing out of the Carabao Cup to Championship side Derby.

While Mourinho’s team have toiled, the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City have pieced together impressive openings, with Cantona conceding that the Red Devils are now playing catch-up.

The iconic Frenchman told Joe.co.uk: “I always hope it will be United [to win the league]. Especially as the favourites this year are the teams we most want to defeat.

“It’s very early in the season so we must still hope that United will perform well.

“It is terrible but the best team to watch at the moment is the other team. The one I don’t like to mention by name.”

While Cantona is finding it tough to watch United struggle, he admits that the club will forever hold a special place in his heart.

A man who took in four Premier League title triumphs and two FA Cup successes during his time at Old Trafford added: “I always try and watch as many Manchester United games as I can, because I love them.”

Mourinho will be hoping that such support inspires his troops over the coming weeks, with another testing run for the Red Devils set to be opened on Saturday when they return to action at Chelsea.