Former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona has accused minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe of “destroying” the club.

The Old Trafford great was scathing in his opinion of the British billionaire, who since arriving in February last season has touted the prospect of building a new ground, raised ticket prices and undertaken swingeing cuts resulting in significant job losses.

“Since Ratcliffe arrived, this team of directors try to destroy everything and they don’t respect anybody,” Cantona told reporters during an event at breakaway club FC United, where he, his four children and two brothers signed up to become co-owners of the non-League side.

“They even want to change the stadium. The soul of the team and the club is not in the players. All the people around is like a big family. I think it’s very important to respect these people like you respect your manager and team-mates.

“Since Ratcliffe arrived, it’s the complete opposite. He doesn’t want Sir Alex Ferguson as an ambassador anymore. He is more than a legend and I think we have to find this soul again.

“This team of directors, they try to destroy everything. They don’t respect anybody. They even want to change the stadium. The stadium is iconic.

“For me, Arsenal lost their soul when they left Highbury and I’m sure a lot of fans miss Highbury.

“Can you imagine Liverpool playing in another stadium than Anfield? It’s impossible. I don’t think United can play in another stadium than Old Trafford.”

Manchester United have not commented.