Manchester United were ready to sack Eric Cantona following his infamous kung-fu kick in 1995 at Selhurst Park.

In his book, 'FA Confidential', former FA chief executive David Davies says former United chairman Martin Edwards was prepared to ban Cantona for life after the incident at Selhurst Park.

He wrote: "Tracing Martin to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, I found United's chairman talking tough. `We're thinking of an indefinite suspension for Eric,' Martin said. `Banning Eric altogether.' "

How Ferguson would have reacted to that will never be known, but Davies suggests the United manager played a big part in convincing his chairman to be more lenient with the club's prize asset at the time.

"Martin realised the seriousness of Eric's conduct but, when he returned to Manchester, he softened his stance," said Davies. "Eric will be banned until the end of the season," Martin announced. "Not indefinite. Not altogether."