Manchester United’s most successful manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, has had his lucrative ambassadorial role with the club abruptly ended by minority shareholders INEOS.
The incoming investors, led by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have embarked on drastic cost-cutting measures since confirming their 27.7% stake in the club. Up to 250 non-playing staff they were laid off over the summer, an economic measure that would have only funded Mason Mount’s salary for eight months.
Central United Jonny Evans admitted that the massive staff overhaul was “difficult to watch”, but INEOS has embarked on another structural upheaval that may prove even more controversial.
Ratcliffe reportedly told Ferguson in a face-to-face meeting that he would no longer receive a £2.16m annual salary for his role as an ambassador for the club. The Athletic. The discussion was described as “friendly”.
Ferguson spent almost 27 years in charge of United, delivering an unparalleled 13 Premier League titles Five months after signing his legendary mandate as one of the the best coaches in the history of football with another top-flight title in 2013, Ferugson was named the club’s global ambassador.
The seven-figure salary Ferguson has earned over more than a decade is more than the annual salary of Nottingham Forestthe coach of Nuno Espirito Santo, by comparison. However, 23 United players earn more than the sum diverted to Ferguson, including third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
The 82-year-old Scot will remain a non-executive director on the club’s football board, a role which The Athletic have described as “largely ceremonial”.
Shortly after his involvement at the club was confirmed at the start of 2024, Ratcliffe was full of praise for Ferguson, who he hailed as “the most iconic manager in the world”.
“It’s just an essential part of Manchester United’s history,” Ratcliffe said official website of the club. “I mean, he made history at Manchester United in the 27 years he was there really. And, you know, he was the best manager of his generation.”
It remains to be seen whether Ferguson, who moved out of the house last November shortly after the death of his wife Cathy to downsize and be closer to his family, will continue to regularly attend United’s games at Old Trafford and road But the invitation is still open.
