Eric Cantona slams Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Eric CantonaManchester United icon Eric Cantona has launched a scathing assessment of club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe following the billionaire’s controversial comments regarding immigration in the United Kingdom.
The legendary French forward, who spearheaded the club to four league championships under Sir Alex Ferguson, revealed he would never have joined United from Leeds in 1992 if the INEOS chief had been in charge.
Cantona rejects current Old Trafford regime
The 60-year-old expressed his deep frustration during a conversation with United fan Peter Boyle in Belfast, ahead of a scheduled live appearance in Cork.
When asked if he would have joined the Red Devils under the current ownership structure, the former talisman offered a blunt refusal.
Speaking to United supporter Peter Boyle, Cantona said:
“Of course not. You know what I think about all of this, with this kind of politics. And I cannot understand that someone like this can say something like this when he’s one of the owners of the club.”
The outspoken Frenchman has Spanish heritage, with his mother being the child of Spanish refugees, and has previously directed sharp criticism at the new regime, claiming the historic club was being destroyed.
A diverse history on the pitch
Cantona pointed out that the beautiful game has historically thrived on the contributions of families moving across borders, referencing his own documentary on the subject.
He noted that past legends like Raymond Kopa and Michel Platini came from immigrant backgrounds, arguing that the sport’s greatest talents have always emerged from diverse roots.
Explaining his views on the diverse nature of the sport, Cantona added:
“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.”
The sharp divide in political outlooks places Ratcliffe at odds with his self-proclaimed favourite player.
The INEOS founder even named his acquisition vehicle, Trawlers Limited, after Cantona’s famous press conference quote about seagulls following a fishing boat.
Ratcliffe under fire for political views
The billionaire, who resides in Monaco but was born in Greater Manchester, has faced widespread backlash for his political remarks.
He previously told Sky News that the country had been colonised by immigrants, though he later apologised for his choice of words.
Speaking to the BBC about national challenges, Ratcliffe said:
“Unfortunately, at the moment, I think the UK is on the slide. It’s quite difficult to see how we arrest it. I think ultimately, we need politicians who are tough enough to deal with some very difficult problems.”
Cantona is not the only high-profile football figure to target the co-owner, with former England striker Gary Lineker also delivering a scathing assessment of the billionaire’s leadership.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said:
“He’s clearly… I don’t think he’s a particularly pleasant human being, and it’s a bit of a shambles of a football club the way it’s being run at the moment.”
Lineker also joked that the Glazer family deserved congratulations for finding someone even more unpopular to absorb the fans’ anger.
Mounting problems for the Red Devils
The off-field tension comes at a difficult moment for Michael Carrick’s squad, who are currently languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.
The team has struggled on the pitch, recently suffering a Carabao Cup exit at home against Brighton.
Meanwhile, United’s latest financial results showed an annual net loss of forty-three million pounds, with non-current borrowings climbing to over five hundred and seventy-seven million pounds.
The hierarchy has introduced severe cost-cutting measures, including axing Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role and raising ticket prices, which have triggered fan protests.
Updated 4 October 2026, 10:16.
