Eric Cantona sends internet into overdrive after walking off TV set live on air on Man Utd vs Fulham punditry duty - but all is not as it seems

Cantona was on punditry duty for the Premier League feed during the 2024-25 campaign curtain raiser between Manchester United and Fulham. He was accompanied by former United player Owen Hargreaves when the Frenchman was asked by the presenter to predict the Golden Boot winner of this season. Cantona had a short and awkward answer to the question as he said, "We'll see." Hargreaves was quick to react to the situation as he immediately provided a more elaborate answer.

The 58-year-old was then asked what was in store for 'the millions of fans watching on their television sets' this season, to which he again gave a one-word response, "Television". He then stood up and took off his microphone live on air before coming up with a monologue as he said, "We call this the beautiful game, but how many people in this world don't even own a television? What of them? How can we sell this [the Premier League] to them? The game should be everywhere. It cannot be stuck on the wall or just in a bar, no. It must fly. No one should believe the Premier League is ours. This marks the beginning. The revolution has begun."

Fans across the world were left stunned, however, it was later revealed that the entire incident was actually a skit prepared to promote Showmax, an online subscription platform that holds Premier League rights in Africa. South African entrepreneur Mike Sharman later posted on X, "Showmax hijacked the entire @premierleague feed with Eric Cantona to promote its mobile offering across Africa - the most affordable package on the planet. The most phenomenal stunt you’ll see in 2024."

The Red Devils kicked off Premier League 2024-25 action on Friday at Old Trafford with a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham courtesy of a goal from debutant Joshua Zirkzee. Liverpool and Arsenal will play their season openers on Saturday while Manchester City are set to lock horns with Chelsea on Sunday.