Eric Cantona, the legendary former Manchester United star, has just gone ahead and done exactly that. He argues that co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his team are betraying the club’s history and legacy. Cantona expressed deep concern over new developments at MU, such as the club’s hiring of British banking boss Jim O’Neill. He is particularly worried about the proposed changes to Old Trafford, the club’s home since 1910.
Cantona thinks that leaving Old Trafford would be a huge error. He made the point that the heart and soul of Manchester United is deeply tied to the stadium as well. Just like Highbury, to me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury, and I know a lot of fans miss Highbury. Asking people to just think that United can’t afford to play anywhere else but Old Trafford, he said.
Since Ratcliffe’s arrival, Cantona observed a concerning turn in the mindset of the Manchester United leadership. He recently said that the current directors are determined to wipe out all of the club’s long-held traditions. “Ever since Ratcliffe came in, this team of directors want to blow everything up and they have no respect for anyone,” he claimed. Cantona was so incensed by the attempt to erase Sir Alex Ferguson’s record that he let rip on Instagram. He said, “He wants to get rid of Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador.” He is deeper than a myth and I believe this is the soul that we have to rediscover.”
Even so, Cantona still provided assistance to Ratcliffe on his proposed path to refurbishing and rejuvenating Manchester United. The legendary former player was the invisible hand guiding the club to their first English title since 1973, achieved in 1993. That hasn’t dampened his passion for the club. So I back United because my love for the club goes way past the surface. If I was a fan and had to choose a club in today’s environment, I really don’t think I’d choose United. I no longer get to see where these types of decisions get made,” he said.
Cantona’s comments come at a time when Manchester United has not won the Premier League since Ferguson’s last season in charge in 2013. The Glazer family continues to hold the majority shares in the club, while Ratcliffe took over football operations after purchasing a minority share in February 2024.
In an open letter, Cantona condemned Manchester United’s current trajectory. Specifically, he seemed most frustrated that the club often positioned economic strategy above emotional connection. Our mistake, I think, was believing that we are all dreamers and the issues the owners—we were ultimately up against an economy and a strategy. I hate this kind of thing. I really dislike this type of decision,” he said.
