Eric Cantona 'approached' in new Man United takeover twist as Sheikh Jassim update emerges

Manchester United takeover updates have been been in overdrive in recent weeks with club legend Eric Cantona involved in the latest twist

Eric Cantona has been mentioned in the latest Manchester United takeover claim following fresh investment talk from the Middle East. The Glazer family recently opened the door to outside funding with Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a minority stake in the club last year.

In his 20 months officially as part of United, Ratcliffe has made a huge impact which has included giving Erik ten Hag a new contract before sacking him, appointing Ruben Amorim and also reshaping the club at boardroom level with multiple dismissals and hires.

Even though he only recently made an investment, takeover rumours were sparked over the international break when Saudi official Turki Al-Sheikh stated an investor was close to striking a deal for United. He was later forced to clarify that he was not the potential investor, with talkSPORT stating the belief was they are UAE-based.

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Their report added that some United legends had been approached over being involved in any potential bid, with some clarity on exactly that and specifically one name that was approached, being revealed.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, via United Stand, Cantona has held direct talks over potentially taking up an ambassadorial role that would see him back a prospective consortium in a bid for United. Other former players have also been contacted, but it would not be with a view to invest.

When Ratcliffe put forward his bid, there was concrete talk of Sheikh Jassim also possibly investing but that never materialised and it has been noted in this update that he is categorically not back at the table. However, as things stand on the takeover front, nothing is advanced with the Glazers also not involved in any form of talks about possibly selling.

The United owners seem to be rarely involved in day-to-day proceedings at the club with Ratcliffe recently admitting that is very much his remit. He also went on to issue response to the criticism they have faced for numerous years.

"That probably sums it up," Ratcliffe admitted when asked if they were happy for him to take control of matters. "We're local and they're the other side of the pond. "That's a long way away to try and manage a football club as big and complex as Manchester United.

"We're here with feet on the ground. They [the Glazers] get a bad rap... but they are really nice people and they are really passionate about the club."

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