Eric Cantona reveals who is DESTROYING Manchester United
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has launched a stinging attack on Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing the British billionaire of playing a major role in the ongoing decline of the club.
Speaking at an event organised by FC United of Manchester — a fan-owned club formed in protest against the Glazer family’s ownership of United — Cantona claimed Ratcliffe’s involvement has been damaging to the Red Devils.
“Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors tries to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody,” the Frenchman said. “I feel sad to see United in this kind of situation. They have another strategy, another project.”
Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United for around £1.25 billion in February 2024. While the Glazers remain majority owners, Ineos has taken charge of football operations at the club. However, their leadership has faced backlash following ticket price hikes and staff redundancies — decisions reportedly made to stabilise club finances.
Cantona, who made 185 appearances for United between 1992 and 1997, didn’t hold back in expressing his disillusionment with the club’s current direction. He said that despite his enduring love for United, he wouldn’t choose to support them today if he were a new fan.
“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,” the 58-year-old added.
The former French international also questioned the decision to part ways with Sir Alex Ferguson as a global ambassador. The legendary former manager is set to step down from the role at the end of the season — a move the club has described as amicable.
“He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador anymore. He is more than a legend,” said Cantona. “The soul of the team and the club is not in the players — all the people around are like a big family. I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and team-mates.”
Cantona further criticised Ratcliffe’s ambitious £2 billion plan to build a new 100,000-seater stadium near Old Trafford, rather than redevelop the existing ground.
“They even want to change the stadium. Old Trafford is iconic. For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury, and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Highbury,” he said. “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.”
