Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has launched a scathing attack on the club’s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing him of trying to “destroy” everything the club stands for.
The Frenchman is considered one of United’s greatest-ever players following his five-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams and didn’t hold back when assessing the club’s current direction with Ratcliffe at the helm.
Speaking at a private event at FC United of Manchester – a club formed in 2005 by supporters disillusioned with the Glazer family’s ownership – Cantona ripped into Ratcliffe and the new leadership structure.
He slammed everything the British billionaire has put in place since he acquired a 25% stake in February 2024, including plans to build a 100,000-capacity stadium.
Cantona, who was a standout in United’s success in the 1990s, said he offered to help rebuild the club but was rebuffed by Ratcliffe, who has come under intense scrutiny since his arrival.
“Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors try to destroy everything, and they don’t respect anybody,” Cantona said (via 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 are like a big family.”
Cantona also touched on the ruthless staff clear-out sanctioned by Ratcliffe, who has made it a priority mission to cut costs across every level at the club.
Ratcliffe’s latest round of redundancies will bring the total he has made to about 450, including legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been stripped of his role as club ambassador.
“I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and teammates,” Cantona added.
“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.
“They don’t respect anybody. They even want to change the stadium. The stadium is iconic.”
Not much has changed under Ratcliffe’s leadership in terms of on-field results, with United headed for one of their worst-ever campaigns in Premier League history.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side will be keen to end a miserable season on a high by winning the Europa League, which is also their final shot at Champions League football next season.
