Frechman Eric Cantona, the former Manchester United forward who retired from playing in 1997, has been named director of soccer by the New York Cosmos, which hopes to field an MLS team. He will have overall responsibility for "the proposed first team" and the Cosmos hope he will attract world-class players.

"It’s a big project, a wonderful project,” Cantona said. “The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It’s kind of a mix between football and art. I will do everything that I can to help us first find our way to regain the No. 1 position in the United States, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world over the coming years.”

Cosmos chairman Paul Kemsley said in a statement: “Three years ago, when I first had the idea of reviving the New York Cosmos, I couldn’t have dreamt that we’d be able to attract an icon the likes of Eric Cantona. It’s a personal thrill for me, as he was one of my heroes during the 1990s and is a further endorsement to the tremendous global attraction and power that the New York Cosmos carries."

Cantona will work with former United States midfielder Cobi Jones, who is assistant director of soccer.