Key Highlights:
Manchester United are once again in the spotlight — but not for their performances on the pitch. This time, it’s club legend Eric Cantona who has publicly condemned the club’s new co-ownership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing the leadership of disrespecting traditions, alienating fans, and dismantling the soul of the iconic English side.
Speaking at an event held at FC United of Manchester, a non-league club founded by disillusioned United fans, Cantona launched a fierce tirade against Ratcliffe’s decisions, which he believes are “destroying everything” the club once stood for.
“They Don’t Respect Anybody” – Cantona Unleashes
Eric Cantona, who made 185 appearances and became a cult figure at Old Trafford from 1992 to 1997, minced no words:
“Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors try to destroy everything. They don’t respect anybody,” he said.
Cantona voiced his sorrow at the state of Manchester United today, saying if he were choosing a club now, he might not choose United at all — a shocking statement from one of the club’s most iconic figures.
Co-Ownership Tensions: The Ineos Influence
In February 2024, Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United for £1.25 billion, gaining control of football operations while the Glazer family retained overall majority control.
Since then, the club has seen:
- Ticket price hikes
- Two rounds of staff redundancies
- Controversial cost-cutting measures
- A proposal for a £2 billion new stadium
Ratcliffe defended these actions in an interview, claiming Manchester United would have run out of cash by year-end without these “unpopular” decisions.
Old Trafford Demolition Sparks Outrage
One of the most polarizing proposals under Ratcliffe’s leadership is the bulldozing of Old Trafford in favor of building a 100,000-seater stadium near the current site.
Cantona joined many fans in opposing this move:
“The stadium is iconic. For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury… Can you imagine Liverpool playing somewhere other than Anfield?”
Cantona equated the demolition of Old Trafford to erasing the club’s spiritual identity, echoing the sentiments of many long-standing supporters.
Cantona Questions Sir Alex Ferguson’s Exit as Ambassador
Another sore point raised by Cantona is the planned exit of Sir Alex Ferguson as global ambassador. According to club sources, Ferguson’s departure was amicable, but Cantona remains unconvinced.
“He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador anymore? He is more than a legend,” Cantona said. “The soul of the club isn’t just in the players – it’s in the people around it.”
The former forward emphasized the importance of community and legacy, claiming Ratcliffe and his directors do not understand the human fabric of Manchester United.
Fan Sentiment Echoed at FC United
The event at FC United — the club formed by fans opposing the Glazers — served as the perfect platform for Cantona’s remarks. He and members of his family are co-owners of the non-league side, showing their continued commitment to preserving the ethos of fan-led football.
His voice adds weight to a growing chorus of fans and former players deeply concerned with United’s direction.
What This Means for Manchester United’s Future
The Ratcliffe era was supposed to mark a new chapter of footballing excellence, but so far, it’s been marred by:
- Financial cuts
- Poor fan engagement
- Backlash from club icons
- A perceived erosion of club identity
With club legends like Cantona and a possible Ferguson fallout, the optics aren’t favorable.
How to Take Action: A Wake-Up Call for Manchester United Ownership
- Re-engage fans – Open forums, transparent communication, and fan voting on major changes
- Honor legacy figures – Retain Sir Alex Ferguson and respect former players’ voices
- Reassess stadium plans – Consider Old Trafford redevelopment over demolition
- Balance finances with values – Cuts must not come at the cost of club culture
Manchester United Must Find Its Soul Again
Manchester United, once known for legacy, family, and on-field brilliance, now finds itself at a crossroads. With club icons like Eric Cantona publicly voicing discontent, the leadership must decide — continue on this current, corporate path, or reconnect with the very soul that made the club legendary.
The ball is in Ratcliffe’s court.
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