United deny Cantona contract speculation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BY JOHN SHEPHERD
Manchester United yesterday quashed wild speculation that the club would pay the earth to retain Eric Cantona. Any idea that the Frenchman would soon be taking home wages of £25,000 a week was dismissed as pure fiction by Martin Edwards, the chief executive of Manchester United.
"Our highest paid player is not paid £10,000 a week. I'm not prepared to comment on individual contracts, but £25,000 a week is out of the question," he said.
Edwards said that he was astonished about some of the reports linking him to "lucrative contract negotiations" with Cantona in some newspapers yesterday because "I didn't even speak to anyone".
He did confirm, though, that Internazionale were keen to lure Cantona to Italy. However, he added: "We've been approached, but I've not rung them. There is a lot going on at the moment, what with the court case, and I just don't want to discuss it."
Reports that Inter were offering £5.5m for the player, who is banned until October, were also dismissed as fiction. "No figure has been mentioned," Edwards said.
The run-in to the championship appeared to be at the forefront of Edwards' mind yesterday, in particular the financial boost that would arise from playing in the Champions' League next season. United yesterday revealed that the club had raked in more than £3m despite an early exit after just six games in this season's contest.
"We will endeavour to win the last seven games, and hope that Blackburn slip," he said.
United in profit, page 32
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments