Lee Sharpe emphasized that Eric Cantona was treated differently at Manchester United due to his unique character and immense contribution to the team's success. His importance was recognized by Sir Alex Ferguson, who supported him even during controversy, such as the infamous kung-fu kick incident, which would have seen any other player faced with severe repercussions. Cantona's mercurial talent and standout personality not only influenced his teammates but also left a lasting impact on the Premier League as a whole.