Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has launched a scathing attack on the club’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group, accusing them of trying to “destroy everything” and showing a lack of respect since taking control of football operations.
Speaking recently at an event at FC United – the club founded by disillusioned United fans following the Glazer takeover, and where Cantona is now a co-owner – the iconic Frenchman expressed deep concern over the direction of his former team.
“Since Ratcliffe arrived this team of directors try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody,” said Eric Cantona , who starred for United between 1992 and 1997. “I feel sad to see United in this kind of situation. They decided something else. They have another strategy, another project.” He added, “If I was a fan and I had to choose a club I don’t think I would choose United.”
Ratcliffe’s INEOS group acquired a 27.7% stake in February 2024, gaining control of football operations while the Glazer family remain majority shareholders. Recent decisions under the new structure, including raising ticket prices, making staff redundancies, and unveiling ambitious plans for a new £2 billion stadium potentially replacing Old Trafford, have drawn criticism from sections of the fanbase, which Cantona echoed.
Cantona specifically questioned the wisdom of Sir Alex Ferguson’s impending departure as a global ambassador at the end of the season, despite club sources previously stating the decision was amicable. “He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador any more. He is more than a legend,” Cantona stated. “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.”
The 58-year-old Frenchman also criticized the plans to potentially leave Old Trafford. “They even want to change the stadium. The stadium is iconic. For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left 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.”
Manchester United have declined to comment on Cantona’s remarks, while INEOS has been approached for a response. Cantona’s strong words represent a significant critique from a revered club figure regarding the early impact of the new co-ownership regime.
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