“I am not a man… I am Cantona….” Beans and I were with the US Under-23′s back in the day at Manchester United’s training ground (for a trip that took us to play Liverpool’s reserves, Hyde United and Manchester United’s mix of youth and reserves) after a session one day when United’s big timers rolled up to the field.  Beans and I sat down against the wall of the building and watched Sir Alex put the team through their paces.

The speed of play was unlike anything we’d seen up close and once they were done, Cantona took Beckham over to one side of the field to work on free kicks.  Step by step they went over setting up the ball, the walk up and the angle their feet made contact with the ball whether it be near post or far post.

For two 20 year old kids from Cali, being able to watch this thirty yards away and no one else around was incredible.

Thanks to Tim for the heads up