Manchester United will face hard times when manager Alex Ferguson eventually retires, team great Eric Cantona said on Friday.
''After him, it will be very, very, very difficult,'' Cantona said. ''Manchester United will always be one of the biggest clubs in the world but when he stops, for a few years it will be a bit difficult.''
Cantona was in Singapore with Pele to promote the proposed rebirth of the U.S. club New York Cosmos.
The 69-year-old Ferguson, who has managed United since 1986, has said he has no plans to retire yet.
''Alex Ferguson is one of the best managers of all time,'' Cantona said. ''He adapts to all generations. He knows the club very well.''
Cantona also hailed United midfielder Ryan Giggs, who was poised to break Bobby Charlton's team record of 606 league appearances when he faces Liverpool on Sunday.
''He's a great player and great man,'' the 44-year-old Frenchman said. ''I admire a player who can stay on the same club for so long.''
Cantona retired in 1997 after winning four English Premier League titles and two FA Cups in five seasons with United.
