Last updated on April 10, 2025
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Eric Cantona plated for Manchester United from 1992-1997.
Image credit: 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗺’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀
Manchester United icon Eric Cantona has delivered a stinging rebuke of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s leadership, claiming the club is being “destroyed” under his stewardship.
Ratcliffe, the billionaire head of Ineos Group, acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February 2024—worth approximately £1.25bn.
While the Glazers still hold majority ownership, Ratcliffe’s team now oversees the club’s football operations.
Speaking at FC United of Manchester—a non-league club formed by fans opposed to the Glazer ownership and now co-owned by Cantona—he voiced deep disappointment in the direction the club is heading.
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“Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors is trying to destroy everything,” said the former United forward. “They don’t respect anybody.”
Cantona, who made 185 appearances for the Red Devils between 1992 and 1997, expressed concern that the essence of Manchester United is being lost amid financial cuts, rising ticket prices, and plans to replace Old Trafford with a new £2bn, 100,000-seat stadium.
“They even want to change the stadium. Old Trafford is iconic. Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury. Can you imagine Liverpool playing somewhere other than Anfield? United can’t leave Old Trafford.”
He also criticized reports of Sir Alex Ferguson stepping down from his global ambassador role.
“Sir Alex is more than a legend. He represents the soul of the club. If Ratcliffe doesn’t want him, that’s a massive disrespect.”
In a previous BBC interview, Ratcliffe defended cost-cutting as necessary to keep United financially stable, warning that the club might have run out of cash without intervention.
Despite Cantona’s strong words, the club has declined to comment.
