Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has made his feelings perfectly clear on whether or not he would make an Old Trafford return under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is officially a co-owner of Manchester United after the 71-year-old Ineos chief secured a minority stake purchase in the Premier League club.
Following the Football Association and Premier League’s approval of his stake in February, the British billionaire is now at the helm of football operations at United.
United have seen changes behind the scenes at Old Trafford, including Omar Berrada leaving Manchester City and becoming the Red Devils’ chief executive.
Ratcliffe is also believed to be a big fan of former Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth, who could be brought to Old Trafford as part of Ineos’ sweeping changes.
The United co-owner has been spotted at live matches and met with Erik ten Hag and the first-team players after he announced his intention to buy a minority stake.
Ratcliffe has spoken about whether or not he will be in attendance for all matches at Old Trafford, while the Ineos chief is keen to restore the prestige of the Red Devils.
Cantona talks Man Utd return under Ratcliffe
Eric Cantona established a long-lasting legacy at Old Trafford during his prolific spell at Manchester United, with the Frenchman having a seminal impact in the 1990s.
The United legend, who was one of the club’s iconic No 7s, was a linchpin figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams of the past and lifted four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Despite his legendary spell at Old Trafford, Cantona stunned the world in 1997 when he announced his sudden retirement from football at only the age of 30.
Cantona, who remains a beloved figure for United fans, actively pursued other interests after his life in football, including his acting career and his music.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a big admirer of the 57-year-old French ex-forward and named him as one of his three heroes, with Cantona considered his favourite United player.
Speaking to Big Issue (via Sky Sports), Cantona ruled out the likelihood that he would return to United as a coach due to the time constraints it would place on him.
However, the former France international admitted that he would be willing to take up another role at United if it was offered up to him.
“I am involved in too many things I really love to be a manager,” he said.
“In everything I do I work hard to give 100% so that I am able to have the confidence and to enjoy.
“So, I don’t have the time to be [a] manager. But maybe something else…”
Cantona on Ratcliffe’s role at Man Utd
Cantona, who will release the live music album ‘Cantona Sings Eric’ later this month, also shared his two cents on Ratcliffe’s role at United after his stake purchase.
The Red Devils legend is convinced that Ratcliffe is capable of turning things around at United, saying that the Ineos chief is “very passionate” about sport.
“For sure with Jim Ratcliffe I think we come back as the best,” he said.
“The way you drive the club is important. Ratcliffe, who is a fan of United since forever, is a great businessman of course, but is also very passionate about sport.”
Speaking on his own life, Cantona admitted that he knew he would pursue a career in a creative field after football and candidly opened up about his love for music.
“I always knew that I will do something in art, any kind of arts, painting, photography, acting. Music is the last one,” he added.
“Music, it’s the closest thing to the excitement we can have when we play football.
“Music touches you. Every one of us. I don’t think it’s a human being that creates music. Music is a part of a human being.”