Manchester United supporters couldn’t contain their emotions as Ineos CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a major decision concerning former Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as Manchester United manager in 2013 after leading the Red Devils to their final Premier League title in 2012-13.
Since retiring from football, the 82-year-old Scotsman has served as a club ambassador and director, with Ferguson a constant presence at Old Trafford.
Ferguson’s post-management services for United were reflected in the club’s 2014 records, with the Scot earning £2.16 million.
However, it is now thought that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has removed Ferguson from one of his jobs at the club, which he has held for more than a decade.
According to The Athletic, Ratcliffe spoke with Ferguson in person and informed the United icon that he would no longer receive compensation.
The 71-year-old United co-owner is said to be intent on reducing costs at Old Trafford, and Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract falls within that category.
The Athletic stated that Ratcliffe and Ferguson’s in-person meeting ended ‘amicably,’ with the former United manager agreeing to his non-executive director job.
However, Ferguson will no longer get compensation from the Premier League team after the 2024-25 season.
Manchester United supporters respond to Ratcliffe and Ferguson news.
Manchester United supporters on social networking site X, now known as Twitter, were bitterly split by Sir Alex Ferguson’s removal from his ambassador status.
However, other Red Devils fans greeted the decision enthusiastically, with some claiming Sir Jim Ratcliffe made the correct decision.
“He’s done enough for the club. “It’s time to retire,” one fan stated.
Someone another remarked, “I’m sure others will have differing perspectives, but I think that’s a really excellent step. The club needs to go on, and I don’t believe having ties to Sir Alex other than being a fan is really beneficial these days.”
A third person posted: “About time, Sir Alex will always be a legend but club needs to move on from him in these type of situations and he should also be allowed to peacefully go to games to rest and enjoy his retirement.”
Another X user tweeted: “Look, I adore Sir Alex with all my heart, and I’ll never, ever, ever say anything negative about him. But this demonstrates how awful the previous dictatorship was. Paying Sir Alex a manager-like salary after he retired is a nonsense. So congratulations to Ineos for achieving this.”
“I love Fergie to death, but this is way overdue,” a fifth wrote.
Someone person argued: “This is crazy but necessary; we will always love our dad Fergie but no need to pay him a salary.”
A seventh just stated, “No issue with that. Sir Alex has already fulfilled his obligations.
Furious Red Devils fans criticize Ratcliffe’s Ferguson choice.
United fans responded to social media, unhappy that Ferguson had been removed from his position despite his legendary legacy at the club.
One Red Devils fan questioned if Ratcliffe and Ineos “know what they are doing,” while another United follower lamented the “loss of legacy” at Old Trafford.
One admirer stated, “Unnecessary unless there is something deeper to it.”
Someone more said, “F*****g hell, they’re ruthless.”
A third wrote: “I genuinely hope Ineos understands what they’re doing. This is a really huge choice. Wow. Was it truly necessary?
“They shouldn’t have done this. “I mean, they could have reduced the annual payment,” another said.
A fifth tweeted, “It’s shocking to observe such a huge difference in Sir Alex. While cost-cutting is vital, it seems like we’re losing our legacy.”
While a sixth stated, “Worst PR decision ever.” This would further enrage fans and generate a schism within [the] club.”
