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Eric Cantona has accused Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe of ripping the soul out of the club.
The former United star returned to Manchester over the weekend and took a public stand by backing FC United of Manchester.
Cantona confirmed that he and six of his family members have become shareholders in the breakaway fan-owned club.
He says his support for FC United is a result of how far Manchester United has drifted from its roots under INEOS.
“I support United because I really love United,” he said as quoted from the Daily Mail.
“But now if I was a fan and I had to choose a club I don’t think I would choose United.”
Eric Cantona slams Sir Jim Ratcliffe for lack of respect
Cantona believes Ratcliffe’s regime lacks respect for the people who made the club special.
He said: “They try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody.”
The 58-year-old says Ineos are making cold business decisions without care for the club’s spirit or history.
He is particularly upset by the idea of leaving Old Trafford and building a new £2billion stadium.
“They even want to change the stadium,” he said. “The stadium is iconic.”
“For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury.”
“Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield?”
Cantona says replacing Old Trafford would take away the energy and identity of the club’s home.
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“It’s like when you go in a house and feel a special energy,” he explained. “I don’t think United can play in another stadium.”
He added: “Maybe we are dreamers and they are more about economy and strategy. I hate this kind of decision.”
Cantona also revealed that he offered to help the new leadership rebuild the club’s identity.
Despite his busy film and TV schedule, he told them he was ready to support the project.
But he says they showed no interest.
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“I said to them I can put that (aside) and help you to rebuild something,” he said. “And they don’t care.”
His comments reflect frustration with the direction the club is heading in under the new ownership model.
Cantona also criticised INEOS for distancing themselves from Sir Alex Ferguson, saying: “He is more than a legend.”
He believes United’s soul was once found in its people – not just its players.
Cantona’s move to support FC United is a powerful statement that he no longer recognises the club he helped to define.
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Source: Centred Devils
