INEOS’ decision to terminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract has been rejected by Manchester United fans.
The former Red Devils boss’ salary, which he received from the club in the years following his retirement in 2013, has reportedly been terminated in the latest cost-cutting move by United’s co-owners.
In 2014, Mail Sport revealed that the legendary Scottish manager earned a whopping £2,165,000 between October 2013 and June 2014. According to The Athletic, Ferguson will no longer receive these payments after being informed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe during a face-to-face meeting. at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils supporters did not make the decision well. Some called the move distrustful of the man whose 26-year reign produced 38 trophies and saw the club become a major force in world football.
One fan wrote on X: ‘Shocking decision. Was it really necessary? Another said: ‘Looks like even the legends can’t escape the cuts! Then they will ask Fergie to bring his own tea to the games.’
INEOS has terminated Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract after more than a decade in the role
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have been looking at ways to reduce costs at Old Trafford since their arrival earlier this year
Manchester United fans call decision to terminate Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract ‘disrespectful’
“Isn’t this essentially his pension?” asked another supporter on the platform. “Obviously he’s not going to starve, but it’s quite disgusting that he’s literally bigger than the club.”
A fourth said: ‘What???? That is very disrespectful to Sir Alex!!!’
In their report, The Athletic claim that the matter has been settled amicably and that Ferguson remains a non-executive director and is welcome to attend matches.
The move is the latest attempt to reduce costs at the club since the arrival of Ratcliffe and INEOS earlier this year. The British billionaire and his team began an in-depth financial investigation after taking a quarter of the club’s shares, leading to around 250 redundancies.
Another strategy was for the club’s army of temporary workers, who previously received a packed lunch – which included a sandwich, muesli bar, bag of crisps and a soft drink – to receive a much lower offer during United’s first game of the season against Fulham in August.
Some told Mail Sport they were instead offered leftovers from the food supplied to corporate punters. United said that while some of the food on offer was the same as what was previously served to fans, they insisted it was not leftovers and additional quantities are now being made for staff.
Ferguson spent 26 years at the club and won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues
United scrapped lunch boxes for matchday staff and also halved the number of programs given to corporate fans
Some workers also claimed they were forced to eat in a toilet. “They put a dining table next to four toilet cubicles,” said one. “You come out of the booth and there’s someone eating right in front of you.”
United’s need to recoup their finances has led some supporters to react differently to the news about their former manager. One fan believed the move shows United are finally being managed properly.
‘The fact that the club paid a former manager millions more than a decade after his departure shows how poorly the club is run. This is a good move. I’m sure SAF will be fine without this.”
Until this season, those who paid thousands per match to watch the action from private boxes each received a matchday programme.
However, in the match against Fulham, some were dismayed to discover that only five were given out for boxes of ten. “Considering the money we pay, it seems extremely stingy not to even get a show,” said one disgruntled fan.
The use of private drivers and company credit cards were among the first targets, with incoming officials distrusted due to perceived overspending.
Some supporters have taken a different stance, believing the move shows the club is finally moving in the right direction
Other benefits for senior staff, such as a pre-match party, post-match lunch and hotel accommodation, have been completely canceled
And some staff were left stunned when they were told they would have to pay for transport to the FA Cup final, in a break with tradition.
Other benefits for senior staff, such as a pre-match party, post-match lunch and hotel accommodation, were axed entirely, as was the opportunity for those employees and directors to bring their friends and family to the Wembley showpiece.