Cantona is new co-owner of FC United of Manchester

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has become the latest co-owner of FC United of Manchester.

The former French international said the whole of the Cantona family are also co-owners of the not-for-profit club, which is owned by members.

As he signed up, Cantona said in a video posted on FC United of Manchester's X account that the club, based in Moston, had a "young" but "great history".

The Northern Premier League club was set up in 2005 by disillusioned Manchester United fans who said the "catalyst" was the takeover of the Old Trafford club by American Malcolm Glazer.

FC United is fully owned and democratically run by supporters on a "one member, one vote" basis with members able to vote on all major decisions, such as electing the board, ticket prices and the design of playing shirts.

Adult membership, which costs £25, entitles members to an equal share in ownership.

A FC United of Manchester spokesman said: "We're delighted to welcome Eric and his family as our latest co-owners, joining over 2,000 other FC United fans who believe there's a better way for football – where clubs are run with the interests of supporters and local communities at the heart of everything they do.

"Eric said he joined us because we're a club that does things differently – driven by fairness, inclusivity, and a commitment to putting people before profit.

"While our history is short, it's something we're already incredibly proud of – built by fans, for fans."

He added: "As Eric himself put it, 'People around the world should join FC United as a member, because we are a great club.'"

Cantona joined Manchester United from Leeds in 1992 and won four Premier League titles in five seasons.

He won the old First Division title with Leeds in 1991-92 and then scored 70 goals in 156 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, before retiring from football in 1997.

The footballer is a keen musician, actor and artist and has been involved in a number of creative projects, including a UK tour with his music and From Moss Side to Marseille: The Art of Michael Browne and Eric Cantona.

He is also part of this summer's Football City Art United exhibition held during the Manchester International Festival, which will highlight the effects of fame on football players.

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