Manchester United have decided to part ways with club great Sir Alex Ferguson, as their INEOS minority owners have ended a multi-million-pound annual deal with the Scotsman.
This implies that the 82-year-old is stepping away from his Manchester United ambassadorial duties as part of measures put in place by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s led INEOS group to cut costs.
Ferguson will be relinquishing the position at the end of the 2024/25 season, but he will remain a non-executive director at the club and is welcome to attend matches.
Is Sir Alex Displeased With The Decision?
Based on reports, involved parties have dealt with the matter “amicably” and Sir Alex Ferguson is not gutted by the decision.
Why Will Sir Alex Ferguson Step Away From Being Manchester United global ambassador At The End Of The 2024/2025 Season
Some sources also claim the decision was made due to the age of the football icon, as he will be turning 83 on December 31, 2024, and his job as an ambassador is understood to be time-consuming.
According to The Athletic, via a face-to-face meeting at Old Trafford, Sir Jim Ratcliffe told Sir Alex Ferguson that Manchester United are seeking to reduce costs and are no longer prepared to continue his payments.
Ferguson became a global ambassador for Manchester United in October 2013 and received £2.16m annually for his services, an arrangement that carried on for over a decade.
Sir Alex Ferguson As Manchester United Manager
Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football.
Alex Ferguson was instrumental in Manchester United becoming one of the richest and most successful clubs in the world.
The 82-year-old became manager of Manchester United in 1986, and he guided the team to several honors, including; 13 Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions League, 5 FA Cups, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup, amongst others, before retiring in 2013.
One can certainly attribute the Red Devils’ stature and greatness to the impact Ferguson had on the club during his time as manager and even as an ambassador.
Clubs Sir Alex Ferguson Managed
Sir Alex Ferguson managed several clubs during his managerial career, including East Stirlingshire, St Mirren, Aberdeen, Manchester United, and the Scotland national team.
Is Ferguson A Former Footballer
The 82-year-old is also a former footballer, who was born on December 31, 1941, and he played for several clubs, including Queen’s Park Rangers, St Johnstone, Dunfermline Athletic, Rangers, Falkirk, and Ayr United.
Stars Sir Alex Ferguson Made
Sir Alex Ferguson also made several football greats, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs, amongst others.
The Englishman has regularly been seen attending matches involving Manchester United since his retirement in 2013, a testament to the love he has for the team.
Manchester United Since Sir Alex Ferguson Retired From Football
The Red Devils have drastically nose-dived since the Scotsman called time on his managerial career in 2013, with the team failing thus far to reach the heights Sir Alex Ferguson guided them to.
Despite managerial turnovers, the team has found it difficult to achieve success consistently.
Great managers like Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have taken charge of the side, but their fortunes haven’t overwhelmingly changed for the better.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United have won 2 FA Cup titles, 2 Carabao Cups, 1 UEFA Europa League and 2 Community Shields.
Manchester United In The 2024/25 Season
They currently occupy the 14th spot on the Premier League table, with 8 points from 7 matches, winning 2 games, drawing 2, and losing 3.
The Reds have had a wishy-washy season in all competitions, but Erik ten Hag’s side still have a chance to claim several trophies, including the Europa League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and, mathematically, the Premier League.
Manchester United return to action on October 19, 2024, trading tackles with Brentford at Old Trafford.
