Sir Jim Ratcliffe has revealed he is planning talks with one of Manchester United’s legendary figures.
Manchester United’s new investor has made no secret of the fact he holds Eric Cantona in the highest regard of all.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe credited the Frenchman as the ‘catalyst for change‘ who inspired Sir Alex Ferguson‘s managerial success in the 90s.
Now, he has revealed he plans to hold talks with the iconic club legend.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe to hold Eric Cantona talks
Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he is planning to meet with Eric Cantona, and says he has a connection to him through Ineos CEO Jean-Claude Blanc.
Speaking to United media, Ratcliffe explained: “We are due to have lunch, so it’ll be really interesting.
“He knows Jean-Claude well, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
Ratcliffe did not reveal what would be on the agenda when he speaks with Cantona, although fans would love to see him involved with the club in some shape or form.
He re-affirmed his admiration for what Cantona was capable of doing on the pitch, and how much he enjoyed watching him play, praising his talent and unpredictability.
Ratcliffe said: “There’s a certain type of player… when he gets the ball, you get excited because you’re not sure what he’s going to do with it – it might be a bit of magic. Eric was one of those.”
Eric Cantona has already made stadium warning
One plan Sir Jim Ratcliffe has is to potentially build a new stadium, an idea dubbed the ‘Wembley of the North’.
Eric Cantona is on record speaking about the possibility, not totally opposed, but he does have conditions. He does not want to see the stadium’s naming rights sold off, warning he would stop cheering for the club.
He told The Athletic: “Can you imagine Old Trafford becomes a new stadium called by a brand? If one day they do that, I am sorry but I am not a fan of United anymore. And I quit football forever!
“But please, don’t call this stadium Nestle, or Amazon, please. Old Trafford is Old Trafford.”
We would imagine Cantona makes these feelings clear to Ratcliffe when they sit down for lunch.