Eric Cantona sues New York Cosmos for $1m in 'unpaid wages'

Eric Cantona won two league and cup doubles with United

Eric Cantona is suing New York Cosmos for $1m in unpaid wages following his dismissal last year.

The former Manchester United forward, 48, was sacked after he was arrested and cautioned for punching a photographer at a London pub last year.

The Frenchman claims the New York football team did not pay him his $961,290 (£617,909) salary.

Cantona was hired as the club's director of soccer in 2011 as the club tried to secure an MLS franchise.

A lawsuit - for the wages he claims are owed to him and 4% equity interest - has been filed at Manhattan federal court.

Cantona won four Premier League titles with United in the 1990s and his signing was the catalyst to the club's success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He was banned for nine months for his infamous kung-fu kick against a fan during a game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in 1995.

New York Cosmos were the glamour team in the United States in the 1970s after signing Brazilian striker Pele and West German defender Franz Beckenbauer.

They folded in 1985 but reformed in 2011 and are currently in the North American Soccer League - the league a level below the MLS.