Hours ahead of a Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon that could define their season, Manchester United’s hierarchy were subject to scathing criticism from Eric Cantona, one of the Red Devils’ legends. Cantona, whose five-year spell at Old Trafford in the 1990s helped kick-start a generation of dominance, accused Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos – who bought a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February 2024, and now manage football operations – of trying to ‘destroy’ the club.
Cantona is poised to become a part-owner of FC United, the breakaway outfit formed by dismayed United fans two decades ago after the Glazer family bought the club. “Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody,” said Cantona at an FC United event.
He was especially critical of the decision to get rid of the club’s global ambassador at the end of the season. “He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador any more,” said Cantona. He is more than a legend.
“The soul of the team and the club is not in the players – all the people around is like a big family. I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and teammates.”
For the Latest Sports News: Follow RevSportz
“I don’t think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford.” – Eric Cantona
Ratcliffe and Old Trafford’s other decision-makers recently announced plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium which is likely to cost upward of two billion pounds. For Cantona, who helped make Old Trafford the Theatre of Dreams again, that was unthinkable. “The stadium is iconic,” he said. “For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Highbury.
“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.”
United and Ratcliffe’s Ineos have not responded to the comments, but they would do well to heed one thing the always outspoken Cantona said. “I support United because I really love United, but now if I was a fan and I had to choose a club, I don’t think I would choose United.”
Also Read: Nemanja Matic calls Andre Onana ‘one of the worst goalkeepers’ in Manchester United’s history