Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona has voiced strong criticism of co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, accusing him and his team of ruining the club. Cantona’s remarks come amid a challenging period for Manchester United since Ratcliffe took over football operations after purchasing a minority share in February 2024.
Ratcliffe, a lifelong United fan and British billionaire, has faced backlash for his decisions, including the firing of manager Erik ten Hag and the hiring of Ruben Amorim. Despite the change, the team has struggled, currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League. Fans are unhappy as Ratcliffe has also raised ticket prices and made significant cuts, resulting in around 450 job losses.
Cantona, a club legend known for helping United win their first English title in 1993, expressed his disappointment at Ratcliffe’s impact. Speaking at an event for FC United, a club founded by fans in response to the Glazer family’s takeover, he said, “Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors tries to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody.” He emphasized the importance of the club’s culture and history, stating that the spirit of Manchester United is not just in the players but in the people surrounding them.
He criticized Ratcliffe’s plans to change Old Trafford, calling the stadium iconic and warning that moving away would lead to a loss of the club’s identity. “For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury,” he noted, suggesting that United would suffer a similar fate if they left their historic ground.
Cantona revealed that he had offered to assist Ratcliffe in rebuilding the club, which has not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. He expressed sadness over the current situation, saying, “I support United because I really love United, but now, if I were a fan, I don’t think I would choose United.” He criticized the owners for prioritizing economic strategies over the club’s heritage and values.
As Cantona continues his acting career, he remains passionate about Manchester United and hopes for a return to the club’s former glory. His comments reflect a growing concern among fans about the direction of the club under Ratcliffe’s leadership.