'They try to destroy everything' - Eric Cantona savages Man Utd owners and admits he would not choose to support Red Devils now

The 58-year-old former French forward, who remains a beloved figure among the Red Devils’ faithful, did not hold back in his criticism of both the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Speaking passionately, Cantona condemned the direction United has taken under their stewardship, claiming the club has lost its essence.

Cantona came down heavily upon Ratcliffe's decision to make 450 club staff redundant and said: "The soul of the team and the club is not in the players. All the people around are like a big family. I remember a dressing-room with players and Sir Alex Ferguson, all these people you don‘t know who helped us to feel at home and be in a family. I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and teammates.

"Since Ratcliffe arrived, it’s the complete opposite. He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador anymore. He is more than a legend and I think we have to find this soul again. This team of directors, they try to destroy everything. They don’t respect anybody."

Cantona voiced strong opposition to plans to rebuild Old Trafford, likening it to Arsenal’s controversial move from Highbury to the Emirates.

"They even want to change the stadium. The stadium is iconic," he added. "For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury, and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Highbury. It’s like when you go in a house and feel a special energy. Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield? It’s impossible. I don’t think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford. But I think maybe we are dreamers and they are more like an economy and a strategy. I hate this kind of thing. I hate this kind of decision."

In a shocking statement, Cantona confessed that, if he were picking a club to support today, Manchester United would not be his choice.

"I support United because I really love United," he said. "But now if I was a fan and I had to choose a club, I don’t think I would choose United because I don’t feel close to these kind of decisions. Do you feel close to this project? I don’t think so."

Cantona also revealed that he had personally offered to assist the club in a hands-on role but was turned away. With a busy schedule that includes filming commitments until October, he said he was willing to set aside his own projects for the sake of United, but the United leadership was not convinced.

"Until the end of October this year I will shoot movies," he added.

"But I said to them, I can put that (aside) and concentrate and help you to rebuild something. And they don’t care. Me too, because I work. I don’t ask anything. But I feel sad to see United in this kind of situation.

"So, for me and the respect for myself, I had to do it and I did it, and they didn’t care and I don’t care. They decided something else. They have another strategy, another project."

Cantona’s words might strike a chord with many fans who feel the club is drifting further away from its roots. With tensions high and opposition growing, the former king of Old Trafford has added his voice to the chorus of concern echoing through the red half of Manchester.