Eric Cantona accuses Manchester United owner Ratcliffe of destroying the club
French football legend Eric Cantona has delivered a scathing attack on Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Manchester United shareholder who took control of the club's football operations from the Glazer family last February.
Details: In an interview with the DailyMail, Cantona claimed that the new owners have destroyed the beautiful, attacking style of football that Ferguson created.
The French striker, who spent four and a half seasons at United under Ferguson and achieved cult hero status among fans, revealed he had tried to work with Ratcliffe as a club ambassador, but his offers were ignored.
"I thought I could dedicate two or three years to the club that gave me everything, but he wasn't interested. I did everything I could, and now I feel no guilt," the former footballer noted.
Cantona is especially critical of the plans to build a new "New Trafford" stadium on the site of Old Trafford, with a capacity of 100,000. The Frenchman believes such projects kill the soul of the club.
"For me, for example, Arsenal lost its soul when it left Highbury. Imagine Liverpool playing at any stadium other than Anfield – impossible. I don't think United can play anywhere but Old Trafford," Cantona said.
Eric stressed that his love for Manchester United remains unchanged, but now he's not sure he would choose the club if he were just an ordinary fan.
Reminder: Manchester United aims to complete the signing of Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra as quickly as possible.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
