Ferguson Praises 'New Cantona' Smith

£7 million signing Smith has had an excellent pre-season run and netted in last weekend's 3-1 Community Shield defeat by the hands of Arsenal.

Cantona wowed us all years back after signing from Leeds with his dazzling skill and ability to score goals - now Ferguson insists Alan Smith is in the same mould as the Frenchman.

"It's good that Alan drifts along the line," said the Scotsman.

"It is the type of thing Eric Cantona was so good at, and if you think about Thierry Henry, he does most of his damage by pulling out to the left.

"Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with the way Alan has settled in. He has a really good attitude. He is strong and is willing to work hard and I am sure over the years, he will prove to be an excellent player for us."

Smith will look to win more England caps and take advantage of the lack of fit strikers at Old Trafford with impressive early season performances.