Asamoah Gyan is a favorite around these parts, not least because of his character. Yes, he’s a speedy striker with an eye for slamming the ball into the ol’ onion sack, but what makes him loved is his pure enjoyment of the game (obvious to all if only for the joy in his celebrations).

It’s easy to forget how the 25 yr old was only a teen when Cantona ruled at Old Trafford, and as the Black Cats are slated to line up against United in a few dozen hours Gyan has been caught reminiscing over his youth spent watching the Manchester elite:

This will be my first-ever visit to Old Trafford and I have been waiting a very long time for it. I have supported Manchester United since I was a small boy and my hero was Eric Cantona. My dad was a fan for many years before that. He was a defender and his favourite player was Gary Pallister. I didn’t get to watch a lot of highlights although I remember watching the whole of their Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999 with my dad.

I hope I can score a goal for Sunderland against them because that would mean so much to me and my family. But I will also try and swap shirts. That will definitely happen although I don’t know whose shirt I want. Any player.

Baby Jesus, please let Asamoah score a game winner. This guy is a genuine player and a true good-hearted spirit. Black Stars to Black Cats. And here is future wife: