Importance Score:
35 / 100
Manchester United icon Eric Cantona has solidified his stance regarding the Glazer family’s ownership by becoming a co-owner of FC United of Manchester. This non-league club originated from fans’ dissent over the Glazers’ management at Old Trafford, offering a supporter-led alternative in the wake of the Glazer takeover.
Cantona Joins FC United Amid Glazer Opposition
FC United was established in 2005 following the contentious Glazer acquisition of Manchester United. The club has since developed its unique identity and is based just seven miles from Old Trafford. This move by Cantona underscores his alignment with fan sentiment against the current ownership.
Fan Protests Highlight Anti-Glazer Sentiment
Earlier this month, the strong anti-Glazer feeling was evident when FC United supporters and ‘The 1958’, a Manchester United fan group, organized a protest during a match against Stockton Town. The demonstration featured flares in both clubs’ colours, as well as green and yellow, representing Newton Heath, Manchester United’s original name. Chants demanding the Glazers relinquish control were prominent, accompanied by a ‘GLAZERS OUT’ banner, illustrating the depth of feeling amongst supporters.
Cantona’s Commitment Formalized
Cantona’s affiliation with FC United was officially confirmed following a recent 1-1 draw with Mickleover. A video shared by the club captured him signing his contract. “The Cantona family, we are all members of United FC. People from all around the world should be members of United FC because it’s a great club,” Cantona declared, emphasizing his enthusiasm for this new venture and the ethos of fan-owned football.
Advocacy for Fan Ownership
This development follows Cantona’s previous public statements advocating for fan unity to displace the Glazers. In a 2022 interview with The Athletic, he discussed the concept of a fan ownership model, drawing parallels with FC United’s structure. His move to become co-owner reinforces his long-held belief in the power of supporter-led football enterprises.
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Cantona’s Perspective on Glazer Outcry and Fan Investment
Cantona has previously voiced his opinion on the need for the Glazers to depart from Manchester United. He also revealed he felt overlooked for a club president role at Old Trafford, stating:
“Yes, maybe [it is time for them to go].”
Fan-Based Investment Model
Expanding on his vision for fan empowerment, Cantona proposed an innovative approach to club ownership:
“I considered an alternative. This club has a massive social media following of fans. If a platform was created allowing fans to purchase a stake in 50 per cent of the club, why rely on one or two individuals investing £500 million?”
Democratizing Club Ownership
Cantona argued for a more inclusive model:
“Instead, you could have hundreds of millions of fans investing smaller amounts, like 10, 20, 100, or 1,000 euros. This way, 50 per cent of the club would be owned by the genuine supporters of Manchester United.”
Missed Opportunity for Fan Engagement
Expressing his frustration at the lack of engagement with his ideas, Cantona concluded:
“With contemporary social media, this could be readily implemented. However, they declined my offer to become president! They rejected me! Fans should know that I travelled to Manchester to offer them a pathway to future success, but it was not taken.”
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