Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has launched a fresh tirade against Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The former forward has never been hesitant to share his feelings about United’s ownership group.

The Frenchman first called out Ratcliffe after legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson saw his ambassadorial role at the club axed in October 2024. Cantona derided the club’s owner early this year for gutting United’s soul and even rubbished plans for a £2billion ‘New Trafford’ which Ratcliffe hopes to build in place of their current home in M16.

Cantona’s stance on the British billionaire is in stark contrast to Ratcliffe’s on the ex-United star, whom he views as his favourite player. The Ineos founder even named the company that acquired up to 29 per cent of United, Trawlers Limited, as a reference to his famous speech.

But Ratcliffe might need to reconsider his favourite player after more bruising quotes from the 59-year-old. In the midst of a tour for his one-man show, Cantona took the opportunity to hit out at the hierarchy once again – referencing thwarted attempts to work with Ratcliffe and Co.

“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 the audience, via Telegraph Sport.

“But he didn’t seem interested. I did what I had to do, so I don’t feel guilty anymore. I tried my best.

Citing the achievements of his heavily decorated former manager, Cantona added: “Sir Alex Ferguson created a style of beautiful attacking football, which the new owners should have used. Instead, they destroyed it.”

Cantona has recently been mentioned in claims over fresh investment talk from the Middle East. Rumours were sparked over the October international break when Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh stated an investor was close to striking a deal for United.

Al-Sheikh was later forced to clarify that he was not the potential investor, with talkSPORT stating the belief was that they are UAE-based.

Their report added that some United legends had been approached over being involved in any potential bid, with some clarity on exactly that and specifically one name that was approached, being revealed.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, via United Stand, Cantona has held direct talks over potentially taking up an ambassadorial role that would see him back a prospective consortium in a bid for United. Other former players are also said to have been contacted, although it would not be with a view to investing.