'We believe in the players so believe in yourself': Manchester United legend Eric Cantona issues rallying cry to Jose Mourinho's men ahead of Premier League opener against Leicester

Manchester united legend Eric Cantona has issued a rallying cry to Jose Mourinho's squad as they prepare for their opening Premier League fixture against Leicester on Friday night.

The Red Devils' pre-season preparations have been blighted by a frustrating summer transfer window and Mourinho's abysmal attitude on their tour of the United States.

However, the off-field antics will be put to one side when they welcome the Foxes to Old Trafford and Cantona has called on the current United squad to 'believe in yourself' in a rousing message.

This weekend the Premier League starts and we play our first game,' Cantona said on Instagram.

'We believe in the players so believe in yourself. We are confident you can win the league this year. Come on United!'

During his playing days Cantona was an icon of the game and was dubbed 'The King' by United fans, having cemented his name in their folklore during a successful five-year spell that culminated in two FA Cups and four league titles.

He made almost 200 appearances for the club, scoring 82 goals in the process, after arriving from Leeds in a sensational deal in 1992.

The Red Devils were only able to make three signings in the summer window and Mourinho was left frustrated at a perceived lack of activity from executive vice chairman Ed Woodward.

He also moaned about the lack of players available to him during the off-season because of the World Cup and slammed the quality of depth within his squad.

United face a difficult opening day fixture without a number of key names to make matters worse.

Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Diogo Dalot, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic are all injured while late fitness checks will be given to those who have only just returned to training.

Dailymail