Sir Alex Ferguson met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the first time since the Manchester United executive informed him that his long-term contract was coming to an end. Despite the potentially unpleasant nature of the chat, both men were spotted laughing and smiling.
Ratcliffe, the CEO of INEOS and also a minority owner of Manchester United, has made a number of significant and, at times, contentious choices since joining the club. One of the most significant recent measures was notifying Ferguson that his multimillion-pound ambassadorial status will expire at the conclusion of this season.
This ambassadorial agreement was established when Ferguson left from his managerial post in 2013, capping a historic career that included numerous Premier League and Champions League victories.
Ferguson has been a constant presence at Old Trafford since his retirement, attending games and having a close relationship with the club. However, in an effort to better manage financial resources, Ratcliffe decided to terminate Ferguson’s 82-year-old contract, which reportedly paid more than £2 million each year.
It has been stated that Ratcliffe personally conveyed the news to Ferguson, emphasising the importance of the communication. According to insiders, the conversation was cordial, and there are no hints of enmity between Ferguson and Manchester United.
Ferguson is anticipated to continue his participation with the club as a Non-Executive Director, a position that allows him to share his thoughts and knowledge without the formal obligations of an ambassadorial contract.
This substantial change did not appear to affect their connection, as proven by the two men being seen together at Manchester United’s recent match versus Chelsea at Old Trafford. Observers noticed that, despite the financial cuts, there appeared to be no conflict between Ferguson and Ratcliffe. Both guys were reportedly comfortable and in high spirits throughout their encounter, implying that their mutual respect is still intact.
Ratcliffe has already overseen a number of off-field improvements at Manchester United, displaying his dedication to restructuring and modernising the organisation. These modifications include changes to the club’s organisational structure as well as staff reductions, all in keeping with a desire to streamline operations.
Ratcliffe has emphasised the significance of dedicating more finances to the team’s on-field performance, which will allow the manager to invest more in players and improve the squad.
Despite the changes in his role, Ferguson remains a cherished figure at the club, representing a period of unprecedented success. Ratcliffe has showed great appreciation for Ferguson’s legacy and praised the previous manager’s extensive expertise and knowledge of the club.
Ratcliffe once said of his initial meeting with Ferguson: “When I originally joined Manchester United, he was the first person I met. We had set an hour-long appointment at his place, but we ended up talking for hours. He is full of insights, numerous stories, and in-depth comments about the club.”
Even as Manchester United undergoes a time of development, aided by Ratcliffe’s forceful managerial style, Sir Alex Ferguson’s presence remains a bridge between the club’s illustrious past and its future goals.
This recent encounter between Ferguson and Ratcliffe suggests that, despite inevitable changes, the club’s heritage of cooperation and respect will endure as it enters its next chapter.
