Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The enigmatic Frenchman spent five memorable years at Old Trafford during his playing days, etching his name into United folklore.

"Alex Ferguson is young, has so much energy, so much love of the game, so many things to give, more and more and more," the 46-year-old, who currently holds a post as director of football at the New York Cosmos, told the Daily Mirror . "And I love to watch them winning things and I want Ferguson to be manager forever.

"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."