Hughes: Robinho can be just like Cantona

Mark Hughes believes Robinho can make as big impact at Manchester City as French legend Eric Cantona did at Manchester United.

Robinho has impressed so far in his career at Eastlands, but failed to make an impact in the Manchester derby on Sunday.

City boss Hughes played with Cantona at United from 1992 to 1995.

“Robinho has definitely had an effect on Stephen Ireland,” he said in The Daily Star Sunday.

“That’s a consequence of bringing in top players.

“It happened at United with Eric Cantona. People immediately recognised that he was a huge talent.

“I think Robinho can be as big a talisman as Cantona. He’s a world-class talent and has got that stature.”

“Robinho is very much in the loop as regards what the plans are for the club,” he added.

“He’s very excited about that. He’s very happy here.

“People question him when he’s back in Brazil about why did he come to City.

“He’s able to articulate that’s he’s part of a huge thing which will happen here.”

[Source: The Daily Star]