Eric Cantona has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United’s ownership group, and specifically Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in the wake of reports that he has been approached over a potential takeover
Manchester United icon Eric Cantona has launched a fresh attack on Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The former striker has never shied away from expressing his views about the club’s ownership.
The Frenchman initially criticised Ratcliffe after legendary ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was stripped of his ambassadorial role at the club in October 2024. Earlier this year, Cantona lambasted the club’s owner for stripping United’s soul and even dismissed plans for a £2billion ‘New Trafford’, which Ratcliffe hopes to replace their current M16 home with.
Cantona’s view of the British billionaire starkly contrasts with Ratcliffe’s opinion of the former United star, who he considers his favourite player. The Ineos founder even named the company that bought up to 29% of United, Trawlers Limited, in reference to his famous speech.
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However, Ratcliffe may need to rethink his favourite player following more harsh words from the 59-year-old. During a tour for his one-man show, Cantona seized the chance to criticise the hierarchy once again – referencing failed attempts to collaborate with Ratcliffe and his team.
“I have many other passions and projects, but I thought that for two or three years I could maybe put those to the side and try to give something to this club, which has given everything to me,” Cantona told the audience, as reported by Telegraph Sport.
“But he didn’t seem interested. I did what I had to do, so I don’t feel guilty anymore. I tried my best.” Cantona, the Manchester United legend, also criticised the club’s owners for abandoning Sir Alex Ferguson’s attacking style of football.
He said: “Sir Alex Ferguson created a style of beautiful attacking football, which the new owners should have used. Instead, they destroyed it.”
Recently, Cantona’s name has been linked with potential investment from the Middle East. Speculation was rife during the October international break when Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh announced that an investor was on the verge of securing a deal for United.
However, Al-Sheikh later clarified that he was not the potential investor, with talkSPORT suggesting that the likely investors are based in the UAE.
The report also suggested that some United legends had been approached about participating in any potential bid.
Journalist Ben Jacobs, via United Stand, revealed that Cantona had been in direct discussions about possibly taking on an ambassadorial role to support a prospective consortium’s bid for United.
It was also reported that other former players had been contacted, but not with the intention of investing.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
