Eric Cantona claims Manchester United has lost its soul after becoming a shareholder at FC United of Manchester.
It has been over a year since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner of Manchester United after buying a minority stake in his boyhood club.
The British billionaire is undergoing the latest round of redundancies that will bring the total he has made to approximately 450. On top of that, Ineos stripped Sir Alex Ferguson of his ambassadorial role and increased season ticket prices.
United fans have been left disappointed by many of the decisions made or approved by Ratcliffe, but they are not alone as a club legend, recognised as The King, speaks out about the new ownership model which involves the Glazers.
It doesn’t help that United have endured a turbulent 2024/25 campaign, but Ruben Amorim can still win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League. The financial reward from getting back into Europe’s most prestigious competition could ease Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting strategy or give the club more money to spend in the summer transfer window.
Eric Cantona accuses Sir Jim Ratcliffe of trying to ‘destroy’ Man Utd
The French legend was back in Manchester last weekend after being spotted at Old Trafford for the scoreless Manchester derby.
Just 24 hours prior to United’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City, Eric Cantona acquired shares for himself and his family to become a co-owner of FC United of Manchester.
The 50-year-old visited Broadhurst Park, the home of FC United, where he launched a scathing attack on Ratcliffe.
“Since Ratcliffe arrived this season of directors try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody,” Cantona said, as quoted by The Guardian. “They even want to change the stadium.
“The soul of the team and the club is not in the players. All the people around is like a big family.”
Cantona also referenced the redundancies inflicted by Ineos, stating that such employees are as vital to the club as football staff.
The French icon added: “I think it’s important to respect these people like you respect your manager and teammates.
“Since Ratcliffe arrived, it’s the complete opposite. He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador any more. He is more than a legend and I think we have to find this soul again.
“This team of directors, they try to destroy everything. The don’t respect anybody. They even want to change the stadium. The stadium is iconic.
“For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Hibury. It’s like when you go in a house and feel a special energy.
“Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield? It’s impossible. I don’t think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford.”
Manchester United snub Eric Cantona offer
After accusing Ratcliffe and his Ineos chiefs of showing a lack of respect, Cantona revealed he offered to help United’s latest co-owner.
The King’s offer was seemingly ignored because Ineos are planning to take a different route with their project at United.
One that includes fewer former players.
“Until the end of October this year I will shoot movies,” Cantona said. “But I said to them: ‘I can put that [aside] and concentrate and help you to rebuild something.’
“And they don’t care. Me too, because I work. I don’t ask anything. But I feel sad to see United in this kind of situation. So, for me and the respect for myself, I had to do it and I did it, and they didn’t care and I don’t care.
“They decided something else. They have another strategy, another project.”
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