Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has launched a scathing attack on Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing the club’s minority owner of “trying to destroy everything” that makes the club special — including ignoring Cantona’s personal offer to help rebuild it.
Speaking at a fan event for FC United of Manchester — the breakaway club formed in 2005 by disillusioned supporters protesting the Glazer takeover — Cantona criticised the direction Ratcliffe and his executive team have taken since the INEOS chief’s investment became official in February.
“Since Ratcliffe arrived this team of directors try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody,” Cantona said. “They even want to change the stadium.”
Cantona, who remains one of the club’s most revered figures, referenced proposals to replace Old Trafford with a new 100,000-seat stadium and the loss of hundreds of back-office staff. He said such moves risked eroding the very identity and “soul” of the club.
Cantona argued that stadiums hold deep emotional value for fans and players alike.
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