Eric Cantona has said he could not see himself signing for Manchester United under current part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, citing the billionaire's recent comments on immigration as the reason. The former forward, who moved from Leeds to United in November 1992, made his feelings clear in an interview on TikTok with Pete Boyle.
When asked if he could imagine joining a Ratcliffe-owned United, Cantona replied: "No, of course not. You know what I think about all of this, with this kind of politics. I cannot understand how someone like this can say something like that when he's one of the club's owners."
Cantona's Immigration Defence
Ratcliffe, the billionaire part-owner of the Manchester club, courted controversy with comments about immigration in September. Cantona, now 60, responded by highlighting football's reliance on players from immigrant backgrounds.
"Football is a very popular sport. Football is made - all the greatest players come from different waves of immigration. Everywhere, in France, in England, everywhere," he said. "In France, for instance, the greatest players all come from different waves of immigration. I made a documentary on that, French Football: An Immigrant History."
Cantona pointed to past French stars as examples. "Raymond Kopa, in the fifties, was the son of Polish immigrants who came to France, worked in France, and worked hard in France. And then the Italians, Italians like Platini. And then the Spanish, like me, my mother came from Spanish refugees. I cannot accept this kind of thing."
Rivals' Current Form
Manchester United and Leeds United face off in the Premier League this weekend, a far cry from their 1990s title battles. Leeds sit seventh as they aim to avoid second-season syndrome following their 2025 promotion, while United languish in 13th.
United finished third in the Premier League last season, their best showing since Ratcliffe took a minority stake midway through the 2023/24 campaign. However, things have proved tougher this season. Michael Carrick was appointed permanent manager after a successful interim spell last term, but his team have picked up just six points from their first six league matches.
United also suffered an early elimination from the Carabao Cup after throwing away a 2-0 lead against Brighton and were beaten by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. The midweek reverse means more than a month has passed since their last win, in their European opener at home to Sabah. Leeds have lost just once in the league, with that defeat coming away to reigning champions Arsenal last weekend.
