Manchester United icon Eric Cantona has launched a blistering new attack on club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, accusing the billionaire of systematically dismantling the legacy built by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The rejected offer
Speaking during his one-man tour, the French football legend revealed he had personally offered to assist Ratcliffe in rebuilding the struggling Premier League giants, but claims his proposal was dismissed out of hand.
"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 audiences, according to The Telegraph.
The former striker expressed his disappointment at Ratcliffe's apparent lack of interest, stating: "But he didn't seem interested. I did what I had to do, so I don't feel guilty anymore. I tried my best."
Ferguson's legacy under threat
Cantona didn't hold back in his assessment of how the current regime has handled the club's heritage, particularly regarding the treatment of his former manager.
"Sir Alex Ferguson created a style of beautiful attacking football, which the new owners should have used. Instead, they destroyed it," he declared bluntly.
The criticism comes amid revelations that Ratcliffe and Ineos officials moved to terminate Ferguson's multi-million pound ambassadorial agreement with the club. Ferguson had transitioned into the role after stepping down as manager in 2015, having established United as the dominant force in English football.
Stadium plans and club soul
Cantona also took aim at Ratcliffe's controversial plans to replace Old Trafford with a new 100,000-seater stadium, drawing parallels with other clubs he believes lost their identity through similar moves.
"The stadium is iconic. For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury and I'm sure a lot of fans miss Highbury," Cantona explained.
He added emotionally: "It's like when you go in a house and feel a special energy. Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield? It's impossible. I don't think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford."
This isn't the first time Cantona has criticised Ratcliffe's leadership. Earlier this year, he attacked the Ineos chief over redundancies at Old Trafford and accused the club of "selling its soul."
The latest comments represent an escalation in the war of words between club legends and the new hierarchy, highlighting the deep divisions emerging at Old Trafford since Ratcliffe completed his purchase of a minority stake in the club in 2024.
