Eric 'The King' Cantona: The Red Devils will go on.

The retirement or departure of top players from Old Trafford will never stop United moving forward, according to one of its most influential servants, Eric Cantona.

The Reds' legend is back in town this week with his new team, the New York Cosmos, who will be the opposition in Friday's testimonial match for Paul Scholes. Cantona, who joined Brazilian legend Pele at a press conference in Manchester on Wednesday, is delighted to able to play his part in paying tribute to Scholes who has followed Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar into retirement.

Losing such experienced players - Wes Brown and John O'Shea have also departed for pastures new this summer - would be tough for most clubs to deal with, but Cantona insists United will always keep progressing no matter who leaves.

"You can replace any player, especially at a club like Manchester United, with a great manager like Alex Ferguson," the Frenchman told reporters. "Every time a player leaves, you think the club won't win any more. But they still do. "They are very strong and have a great history, and they work a lot every day so any player can be replaced. "Paul [Scholes] is still a great player. But I left, Ronaldo left, Hughes left, Beckham left, and United are still one of the best clubs in the world."

Sir Alex Ferguson coy over potential arrival of Wesley Sneijder: We always try to improve but there's nothing concrete yet

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has remained coy on speculation linking Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder with the club.

The Serie A club's CEO Ernesto Paolillo revealed earlier on Wednesday that the club would consider any major bids for the Dutch midfielder. With the signings of David de Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young so far this summer, the Premier League champions have made moves to replace Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville, and Sneijder has been touted as a possible replacement for Paul Scholes, but Ferguson has remained tight-lipped on the situation.

"Well, we always try to improve. But at this moment there is nothing concrete," he said.

Ferguson also took the opportunity to praise Van der Sar, suggesting that he should have made a move for the Dutchman earlier in his career.

"He had a great career because of his character," he added. "His level of performance for such a long time is amazing. He is a great human. I was just saying to [Louis] Van Gaal that Van der Sar always had good words during the half-time. When [Peter] Schmeichel left I should have taken him right away. But that was my fault. I'm happy we did after all."

The United boss also added that he would like to see the Dutchman involved with the club in some capacity in the future.

"I think there is a future for him at Man United," the Scot continued. "He will be an ambassador for the club anyway. Now he will take a year off. After that he will make his decision."

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar touched by 'incredible' testimonial turnout

The Dutchman thanked his fans, family and former clubs and revealed that he expects former side Ajax to do well next season as Louis van Gaal also paid tribute to the 40-year-old

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar admits he was overwhelmed by the turnout of fans and players at his testimonial game on Wednesday night. The former Ajax and Manchester United goalkeeper revealed his surprise at the level of support he received on his final outing before retirement.

"This is incredible," he said. "It's fantastic and touches me. I'm not someone who likes to be in the spotlight. That you get a night like this is really incredible. "So many fans and players I didn't expect. You realise you did something for Dutch football and United, but something like this was absolutely not in my mind," he said after leaving the pitch.

Van der Sar also thanked his family and revealed he has high hopes for Ajax next season after training with their squad on Tuesday.

"I want to thank Ajax for this incredible night," he added. "Also, a big thanks to the players of Ajax, who gave their best energy. I trained yesterday with you guys and I'm confident you will do well in the Dutch league. "In the end I want to thank my wife and family for all the support the last years. Thank you everyone."

Louis van Gaal also paid tribute to the Dutchman, revealing that he knew Van der Sar would have a successful career, despite an uncertain start. "This evening is fantastic," he said. "I really didn’t think this was possible. It says something about the status of Edwin. Not only the crowd, but also so many big players [have turned out].

Eric Cantona encourages Manchester United to sign Inter's Wesley Sneijder

The former Red Devil has sung the praises of the Netherlands international, insisting that the 27-year-old attacking midfielder is exactly what the Old Trafford club need

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has expressed his hope that the club will sign Wesley Sneijder from Inter. the Dutchman has told Manchester City he would like to join the Red Devils, but the player's wage demands have continued to hold up a deal. Now the Red Devils' former player has showered praise on the Netherlands international by likening the ex-Real Madrid man to himself.

"Sneijder is one of the best. He will be great for the team," Cantona told The Mirror. "He is what Manchester United needs. There's no-one like him right now. "He's strong. Sometimes he reminds me of myself."

Cantona spent five years at Old Trafford between 1992 and 1997, winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.