By far the biggest controversy to befall Manchester United football club came in 1995 when star striker Eric Cantona launched an astonishing kung-fu style kick at a rival fan. The incident occurred as Cantona was walking from the field of play after being sent off in United's game against Crystal Palace. The Frenchman later claimed he had heard racial abuse being shouted from a fan sitting in the first row, and proceeded to launch himself at the supporter with both feet aimed at his chest, before throwing several punches. Police and stewards intervened and hauled the striker away, and he was later given a two-week prison sentence. That was later reduced on appeal to 120 hours of community service, though he was still punished severely for the attack. Cantona was banned from playing football for nine months, was stripped of his captaincy by France and lost his place in the national side. The controversial No.7 was the Luis Suarez of his day, and arguably committed an offence far greater than any inflicted by Suarez in the Premier League era. What do you think are Man Utd's most controversial or scandalous moments? Let us know in the comment section, below.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
