Another illustration of the minority owner’s disregard for the builders of the club is the revocation of the legendary manager’s position.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually concluded his minority purchase of Manchester United, supporters found solace in the fact that the club was once again in the hands of a person who genuinely cared for it, following nearly two decades of neglect from the Glazer family.
Ratcliffe was raised in a council estate in northern Manchester, attended Old Trafford as a youth (although he was unable to recall which games he attended when questioned), and was present at the Camp Nou to witness the Red Devils win the 1999 Champions League final and complete the treble. However, in less than a year since he became a minority shareholder, he has systematically undermined the club’s legacy.
Ratcliffe has terminated Sir Alex Ferguson, the individual who established Manchester United in the modern era, in addition to terminating 250 employees.
Ratcliffe has informed Ferguson, the club’s most distinguished manager, that his role as an ambassador, which he has maintained since retiring from the dugout in 2013, will conclude at the conclusion of the season, after sitting beside him on numerous occasions at Old Trafford, away grounds, Wembley Stadium, and the Munich disaster memorial service.
Ferguson will be prohibited from accessing the dressing room and will no longer receive a salary. Ferguson has maintained an unwavering presence at games since his retirement, which was preceded by the winning of 13 league titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions Leagues, in addition to making United the most popular club in the world.
His legacy remains significant, particularly due to the fact that the team has not successfully competed for the Champions League or earned a Premier League title since his departure. He is commemorated by a statue located outside Old Trafford, and the stadium’s largest stand is still named in his honor. This is the reason Ratcliffe’s decision to terminate Ferguson’s employment was so unexpected.
