In an effort to help Manchester United regain its past glory, Eric Cantona sought to return as the club’s “president of football.” However, his proposal was rejected by the club’s board.
The former executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, was approached with the proposal by the Red Devils legend, and they even met multiple times to discuss it.
The 56-year-old believes the Old Trafford management has done a terrific job making money but is not so great at winning trophies. He thinks he can assist the team to succeed on the field and ensure that the board is making wise financial decisions.
The Frenchman was upset that nothing came of it because he still thinks that someone ought to fill a similar position. Since Sir Alex Ferguson was United’s manager in 2013, they haven’t won the Premier League.
Cantona continued by saying that despite the Red Devils’ revenue had increased over those nine years, they haven’t competed for the top titles. In those nine years, they placed second twice, but both times, they fared poorly compared to champions Manchester City.
Speaking in an interview with the Athletic, the United legend said:
“United should have a chairman and then they should have a president of marketing and then a president of football, who is in charge of all the decisions in football. So I proposed to them that I should be president of football.”
“I met him a few times. But they did not accept it! I still think I or somebody else, should have somebody for football. It should be somebody from the club, who knows football and the club.”
Since Woodward left United, Richard Arnold has taken his post, and John Murtough has been appointed director of football. In the summer, both men collaborated closely with new manager Erik ten Hag to bring in six new players for a combined £216 million.
United, who has won their past four Premier League games, will now play again on October 2 against arch-rival Manchester City.
