Cantona criticizes stadium upgrade, says club lost its soul, and reveals offer to help was rejected.
In a transfer news-dominated week, one of Manchester United's all-time greats, Eric Cantona, has diverted attention to an even more profound issue—the erosion of the club's identity under Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to him. The erstwhile French forward, who was renowned for his charisma and game-altering impact in the 1990s, has gone on record attacking the club's new management and their vision for the future.
Cantona made the remarks in an appearance for FC United of Manchester—a breakaway club from 2005 established by aggrieved United fans protesting the Glazer family's ownership. His remarks are at a time when Manchester United transfer news is riddled with rumors and rebuilding proposals, but Cantona insists the real battle is over the soul of the club.
"Since Ratcliffe arrived, this bunch of directors is trying to murder everything," Cantona said. "They don't respect anyone. They even want to renovate the stadium. The soul of the team is not just the players—it's everybody who is in the club. It's a family of thousands."
One of the most disputed suggestions under Ratcliffe's proposals is the proposed construction of a 100,000-seat stadium, which Cantona worries will forever damage Manchester United's heritage. Drawing an analogy from Arsenal's move away from Highbury, Cantona warned of the emotional costs of departure from Old Trafford.
"For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they moved away from Highbury," Cantona said. "You know, it's like coming into a house and there's a special atmosphere. Can you picture Liverpool anywhere but Anfield? It can't happen. And likewise, it oughtn't to be possible for United to play anywhere but Old Trafford."
While the media continues ad infinitum about Manchester United transfer news and who is joining or leaving, Cantona brings to light another type of loss—one that strikes at the heart of the club. Ratcliffe's ownership has seen a spate of redundancies, with approximately 450 staff members due to be dismissed. As Cantona explains, these staff are as crucial as any player in red.
"I think it's vitally important to treat these people as you would your boss and colleagues," he said. "Since Ratcliffe arrived, it's been the opposite. He even dismissed Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador. He's not just a legend—he's one of the fabric of the club."
Cantona also revealed that he contacted the club to offer his services during this period of transition, but was rebuffed.
I asked them to rebuild this wonderful club, but they refused," he added. "It pains me to watch them dismantle all that made Manchester United special.".
As fans around the globe stay on top of the newest Manchester United transfer rumors, Cantona's fiery admonishment is a reminder that a team is not simply players bought and sold—it's about tradition, community, and respect. Whether or not Ratcliffe's ownership will be viewed as visionary or disastrous remains to be seen, but voices such as Cantona's ensure that tradition won't go quietly.
