Man Utd legend Eric Cantona returns to Manchester with Sir Alex Ferguson for new show - where to see it

Manchester United icon Eric Cantona returned to the city to unveil a new exhibition at the National Football Museum.

The Frenchman, a keen art lover and now involved in the film industry, has jointly curated a show with local artist Michael Browne, called From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona. And fellow United legend Sir Alex Ferguson joined the pair at an opening event in the museum over the weekend to lend his support. Commissioned by Cantona and executed by Browne in his distinctive figurative style, the striking collection is influenced by their sporting heroes, who used their positions to advocate for social change, despite the great personal cost.

Over the next few months, the museum will be providing a host of activities in conjunction with the exhibition with more details on their website. The show runs until June 2023.

In 1996, Manchester Met graudate Browne established a long-lasting friendship with Cantona, and began working on his famous The Art of the Game painting which chronicled Cantona’s return to football after his ban. Cantona said: “I am excited to showcase this amazing collection and the important messages behind the artwork. There are many unsung heroes featured in the collection and it is time their stories are told.”

Browne added: “It has been a pleasure working in partnership with the National Football Museum to curate this exhibition, and it is very fitting for the collection to be debuted in Manchester.”

National Football Museum CEO, Tim Desmond, said: “We are delighted to host the premiere of From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona here at the National Football Museum. We look forward to engaging thousands of visitors over the next six months and giving everybody the opportunity to engage with football and creativity.”

Tickets are available from the football museum website. Thanks to funding from Manchester City Council, City of Manchester residents are admitted free of charge.