Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has been linked to the latest takeover rumours surrounding the club, following fresh investment chatter from the Middle East. The Glazer family recently welcomed external funding, with Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a minority stake in the club last year.
During his 20-month tenure at United, Ratcliffe has made a significant impact, including offering Erik ten Hag a new contract before dismissing him, appointing Ruben Amorim, and reshaping the club’s boardroom with numerous sackings and appointments. He has also made multiple cuts in an attempt to save money.
Despite his recent investment, takeover speculation was ignited during the international break when Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh announced that an investor was on the verge of securing a deal for United. He later clarified that he was not the potential investor, with talkSPORT suggesting they are based in the UAE.
Their report also suggested that several United legends had been approached about participating in any potential bid with further details emerging on with one particular name tapproached. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, via United Stand, Cantona has engaged in direct discussions about potentially assuming an ambassadorial role that would see him support a prospective consortium in a bid for United.
Ratcliffe’s bid for United was initially accompanied by rumours of potential investment from Sheikh Jassim, but this has not come to fruition. The latest update confirms that the Sheikh is definitively not returning to the negotiation table.
Meanwhile, no progress has been made on the takeover front, with the Glazer family, the current owners of the club, not engaged in any discussions about a possible sale. Ratcliffe recently acknowledged his role in the day-to-day operations of the club, a task seemingly neglected by the Glazers. He also addressed the criticism that the American owners have faced over the years.
“That probably sums it up,” Ratcliffe conceded when questioned about their willingness to let him manage the affairs of the club. “We’re local and they’re the other side of the pond. “That’s a long way away to try and manage a football club as big and complex as Manchester United.
“We’re here with feet on the ground. They [the Glazers] get a bad rap… but they are really nice people and they are really passionate about the club.”
