The decision by INEOS Sir Jim Ratcliffe to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract has been slammed by shocked Manchester United fans who today revealed: ‘They actually sacked Ferguson before the Ten Hag.’
The club’s biggest manager’s multi-million pound salary is said to be worth more than £2 million a year since he retired in 2013, has reportedly has been axed in the latest cost cutting measure by part-owners United.
In 2014, Mail Sport revealed that the legendary Scottish manager earned £2,165,000 between October 2013 and June 2014.
According to The Athletic, Ferguson will not receive any further payment after being informed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in a face-to-face meeting at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ supporters did not take the decision well, with some labeling the 26-year-old’s 38-trophy reign as “disrespectful” and saw the club become a juggernaut in world football.
One fan wrote on X: ‘Terrible decision. Is it really necessary?’ Another said: ‘Looks like the legends can’t escape the budget cuts! Next time, they’ll ask Fergie to bring her own tea to the match.’
INEOS has ended Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract after more than ten years in the role
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have been looking for ways to cut costs at Old Trafford since his arrival earlier this year
Manchester United fans call decision to end ambassador Ferguson’s contract ‘disrespectful’
‘Is this ineffective retirement?’ ask other supporters on the platform. ‘Obviously he’s not going to starve but it’s disgusting he’s literally bigger than a club.’
Another said: ‘He really fired Sir Alex Ferguson before Ten Hag.’
The fourth one: ‘What???? It’s very disrespectful to Sir Alex!!!’
In the report, The Athletic claimed that the matter had been handled well and that Ferguson would remain a non-executive director and would be welcome to attend matches.
The move is the latest cost-cutting effort at the club since the arrival of Ratcliffe and INEOS earlier this year. The British billionaire and his team are launching a root and branch financial review after taking a quarter stake in the club, leading to around 250 redundancies.
Another strategy is an army of club agency staff, who were previously given box lunches – including sandwiches, cereal bars, bags of crisps and drinks – to offer cheaper deals at United’s first game of the season against Fulham in August.
Some told Mail Sport that they were even offered leftovers from meals given to company players. United said some of the food on offer was the same as previously given to fans, insisting it had not been left out and that additional amounts were now being made available to staff.
Ferguson spent 26 years at the club, winning 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues.
United axed lunchboxes for matchday staff and also cut the number of programs provided to corporate fans in half
Some workers also claimed that they were forced to eat in the toilet. ‘They’ve set up a dining table next to four toilet cubicles,’ said one. ‘You come out of the cubicle and someone is sitting in front of you, eating.’
United’s need to recoup their finances has seen some supporters react differently to the news about the former manager. One fan believes the move shows United are finally getting it right.
‘The fact that the club is paying the ex-manager millions after more than a decade since he left shows you how the club works. This is a good step. I’m sure the SAF will be fine without this.’
Until this season, those who paid thousands per game to watch the action from a private box were each given a matchday programme.
However, in the Fulham game some were stunned to find that only five were handed out to box 10. ‘Given the money we pay, not even getting a program every time seems stingy in the extreme,’ said one disgruntled fan.
The use of personal chauffeurs and company credit cards was one of the areas targeted, with incoming officials shocked by perceived overspend.
Some supporters have a different view, believing the move shows the club is finally moving in the right direction
Other perks for senior staff, such as pre-match parties, post-match lunches, and hotel accommodation, have been completely cancelled.
And some staff were disappointed to be told they would have to pay for transport to the FA Cup Final in a break from tradition.
Other perks for senior staff, such as pre-match parties, post-match lunches and hotel accommodation, have been scrapped altogether, as has the ability for staff and directors to bring friends and family to Wembley exhibitions.
