10 Incredible Premier League "What Ifs"

Eric Cantona's decision to retire at the end of the 96/97 season came as a shock to football fans worldwide. Just 30 years old, King Eric's interest in the beautiful game had waned and some believe United's defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions' League semi-finals was the catalyst that led Eric to his decision.

Cantona had only captained the side for a single season, replacing Steve Bruce for the 96/97 season, but his mercurial presence was greatly lessened and his leadership of the young United squad was somewhat maverick and could have done more harm than good.

If Cantona had continued on and captained the team in the exceptional 98/99 season, the players around him wouldn't have benefited from Roy Keane's never-say-die attitude which was so important throughout the Treble winning year. Take the must-win Champion's League semi-final tie with Juventus as the prime example - Keano picked up a yellow card that meant he would miss the final (should United progress) and he did everything he could to ensure his team mates reached the Nou Camp.

Would Cantona have done the same if he knew he wouldn't play a part in the final? Would the Frenchman have spurred his colleagues on in the same emphatic style? You have to imagine not as no one could ever do what Roy Keane did that night.

As such, there would probably have been no treble, possibly not even a double or a single, and Eric Cantona's status as a United legend wouldn't be anything like it is in reality. The seagulls would definitely be following a different trawler.