In a recent turn of events, former Manchester United captain Eric Cantona has expressed his fury at co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe for removing the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson from his £2.16 million ambassadorial role at the club.
Cantona has been vocal about his disdain for Ratcliffe's decision, going as far as saying that he deserves to be thrown in a "big bag of s***" for what he perceives as disrespectful treatment towards Ferguson. The move came after a frank face-to-face meeting between Ratcliffe and Ferguson, with the latter losing his lucrative role that had earned him approximately £25m since retiring in May 2013.
Despite managing United for 26 years and winning an impressive 38 trophies during this tenure, the 82-year-old took the news with grace. He is still expected to continue attending matches at Old Trafford where he has often been seen sitting next to Ratcliffe.
A stirring reaction
Ratcliffe’s decision has caused quite a stir within Manchester United. Cantona gave one of the most candid reactions yet by posting an image on Instagram alongside Ferguson and expressing his outrage to his 1.4 million followers.
Manchester United legend, Eric Cantona, said:
“Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!”
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand also weighed in on Twitter: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now. Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”
Controversial cost-cutting measures
Ratcliffe’s controversial decisions are part of broader cost-cutting measures aimed at saving money for Manchester United. The INEOS billionaire is not afraid of ruffling feathers while doing what he believes is best for the club; already having laid off around 250 people - approximately one-quarter of United’s staff - in an effort to save £10m. His unpopular moves also include scrapping freebies and cancelling the Christmas party.
Despite his controversial decision to axe Ferguson, Ratcliffe has expressed admiration for Ferguson's achievements at United between 1986 and 2013. As part of his restructuring plan, Ratcliffe has reshaped the United executive team by bringing in Omar Berrada as chief executive, Dan Ashworth as sporting director, and Jason Wilcox as football director.
Ratcliffe's ownership of other clubs such as OGC Nice and Lausanne suggests that he is not afraid to make bold decisions in the interest of success. However, only time will tell whether these changes will lead Manchester United towards a new era of glory or further controversy.
