Aheed Abrar
Ed Woodward rejected opportunity to appoint Eri Cantona as ‘President of Football’ at Manchester United
Manchester United icon Eric Cantona offered Ed Woodward to be the ‘President of Football’ of football at the club. However, the Red Devils rejected the French national’s proposal.
Cantona joined Man United from fierce rivals Leeds United in 1992. In the forward’s five-year spell with the Red Devils, the French national was embraced by fans. He became somewhat of a cult hero.
Speaking to Adam Crafton of the Athletic via transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Cantona claims he met with Woodward, who was at the time the chief executive at United, regarding his idea. The French national believes the Red Devils need somebody to oversee the football side if things.
“I met Ed Woodward a few times. But they didn’t accept me becoming Man United President of Football.
“I still think me or somebody else, Man Utd should have somebody for football.”
What Cantona is seemingly referring to may be the director of football role. Woodward apparently looked after everything at the club. However, the former chief executive evidently did not have the nous to run the footballing operations.
United fans were left frustrated with the club’s transfer strategy during Woodward’s reign. The Supporters felt the signings were made based on the marketing strategy. The Red Devils seemed to overlook what the squad needed.
One could seemingly argue that the likes of Angel Di Maria, Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez and even Cristiano Ronaldo were bought without any planning. As a result, while the team has had superstars over the years, we have failed to be successful.
United last won the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season in charge. The Red Devils have not lifted any silverware since winning the UEFA Europa League in the 2016/17 campaign.
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Currently, Richard Arnold serves as the chief executive, with Richard Arnold as the director of football. The recent transfer window has seen the club back Erik ten Hag with signings that have made an immediate impact. Hopefully, it signals a shift in the recruitment side of things at United.
