Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was key to Manchester United landing Eric Cantona from Leeds United, it has been revealed.

The Daily Express says his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson was cemented when Houllier, then as manager of France, recommended Cantona to Ferguson in 1992 after the player who was to alter the course of United's modern history fell out with Leeds.

"I am friends with Alex, just as I am with Kenny (Dalglish)," says Houllier. "Alex is a very loyal person. If he likes you, he stays friends. I knew the hostility around these games but the respect was always there. We always had a glass of wine after the game."