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Eric Cantona has urged Sir Alex Ferguson to stay on as Manchester United boss “for ever”.

The Reds legend has insisted such is Fergie’s stamina and ­enthusiasm for the job, he cannot see the day coming soon when he will step down – even if he deposes Manchester City as champions next summer.

With United now clear at the top of the Premier League, Ferguson, 71 in December, needs his players to re-establish their dominance, and Cantona is backing his former boss against Roberto Mancini’s ­challenge.

The mercurial former star, admits one day he would love to take the hot-seat at Old ­Trafford - a job he reckons no one could turn down.

But Cantona, who won four Premier League titles in five years at United, including two league and FA Cup doubles, said: “Alex Ferguson is young, has so much energy, so much love of the game, so many things to give, more and more and more.

“And I love to watch them winning things and I want Ferguson to be manager for ever.

(Image: John Peters)

“He’s a winner, that’s why he has won so many things.

"It’s what is incredible with him, next game is like the first game of his career, and he gives you that – his passion, his love of the game, love of winning things.”

Asked if he would accept a chance to boss United, Cantona responded using a phrase that rekindles ­memories of his famous quote, “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”

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He said: “I would say, ‘United is special, of course I would do it’. Today I’m with the New York Cosmos.

"But if one day there is an opportunity, why not? Like diving from here to the sea, watching, speaking to the fish, octopus, crabs, journalists.”

In an interview to be aired on ESPN on Thursday night, Cantona, who netted 64 goals in 143 league appearances also spoke of his amazement that former team-mates Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are still going strong.

And he also talked about Wayne Rooney’s recent comments about being asked to play “the Eric Cantona role” at United.

Does he regret retiring in 1997 when he sees the longevity of Giggs and Scholes?

“Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are different to me.

"When I was 20 I gave interviews and said if I lose the passion, the fire, I will stop and try to do something else. But those that still play and still have the fire, it’s good. I would have loved to have this fire forever and try to play forever. But I lost it and retired.”

And on Rooney’s role at United being similar to his creative spark, he said: “It is not the kind of thing you ask for. You have to earn it, but you need someone to drive you.

“I’m very proud of playing that role, it’s great. Alex Ferguson gave me freedom on the pitch, but I needed time. He created this role in what he had seen in me, in the player I was and personality I had.

“It also depends on the tactics of the team, and what he expects from players.”

Cantona has been Director of Soccer at the reborn Cosmos since January, but keeps a close eye on the Premier League.

He was surprised that City won the title last season, saying: “Mancini has a lot of experience from when he was a player and as a manager.

“The players of City had great experience, but not in English ­football. So it surprised me.”

(Image: PA)

Cantona’s best memories of being at United were seeing Ferguson bring through a generation of kids and still win.

He added: “The best moment was when we won the first Double with young players.

“It was great, it’s great to win things with new players. The players were in a first season for the club and they were so great.”

And he reckons senior pros can contribute greatly to a ­youngsters progress with well-chosen words.

He added: “When an older player encourages you, tries to give you confidence, it is very important – you can destroy ­somebody or give them wings, big wings.

“So what I learnt I tried to give to young players. I just tried, I’m not the kind of player who speaks a lot, but I know we all have different opportunities to give something.

“When I joined United I knew the club. I knew players like George Best or Robson who could express ­themselves in a club like United, which is not so easy. I knew the way they played – it was perfect.”

These days he works for the Cosmos, and continues to act.

He added: “I just need to express myself whatever I do, I just need to find something to express myself. Today it is acting, tomorrow it could be something else.”