Manchester, United Kingdom – Eric Cantona, the legendary figure of Manchester United, don officially become co-owner of FC United of Manchester, in wetin some people dey call his biggest statement about the Glazer family ownership since dem take over the original club in 2005.
FC United of Manchester na club wey supporters form after the controversy wey follow the Glazers’ takeover. Dem dey offer alternative for fans wey no happy with how United dey run things. The club dey grow well and e dey about seven miles away from Old Trafford, where Manchester United dey play.
Dis month, outside the ground, fans don light flares in FC red and United green and yellow, as dem dey protest against the Glazers. Dem also carry banner wey read: “Now…” as dem welcome Cantona into their fold. Cantona sign im contract after FC United draw 1-1 with Mickleover, and the club post video of the moment.
“The Cantona family, we na all members of United FC. Everybody from all around the world suppose be members because na great club,” Cantona talk. Dis move come as no surprise as im don dey discuss fan ownership model for football since 2022 during one interview with The Athletic.
“Yes, maybe [it is time for them to go],” he don talk. “If dem create application today wey go sell 50 percent of the club, then why you go make only one person get all the money? Instead, you fit get millions wey go spend 10 euros, 20 euros, 1,000 euros, and then fans go dey own the real part of the club.”
Cantona’s registration with FC United no be small matter; e don get strong feelings about how things dey go for Old Trafford. He don express sadness for the situation wey dey happen for the club and how dem dey treat Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager.
In one of im recent interviews, Cantona refer to Ferguson as “my boss forever” and show strong support for am. “Sir Alex suppose fit do anything for the club till im dey die,” Cantona rant. “The level of disrespect is scandalous, and I go throw all dem people inside one bag of sh*t!”
As Cantona dey settle into im new role, FC United fans dey hopeful say dis move go help raise awareness about their plight and challenge the status quo wey dey happen at Manchester United.
With the Manchester derby just finished, some eyes don dey turn back to how City and United dey perform. While City dey fight for top four spot, United dey struggle for relevance. Fans dey worry say if this continues, na big trouble for both clubs.
According to some analysts, City players dey show less intensity, and Guardiola’s tactics dey get questioned as the team no fit grab the much-needed points.
While Cantona dey fight for fan ownership, he also dey promote unity among supporters. “If we all come together, we go fit make this club better,” he conclude, showing say him dey ready to contribute to the fans’ cause.
