Manchester United co-owners INEOS have terminated Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract.
Who would’ve thought the Red Devils, who lie 14th on the log, would part ways with their most successful manager?
Widely renowned as the greatest manager of all time, he steered the club towards European glory (multiple times), winning the Premier League a record thirteen times, along with three Champions Leagues and one FIFA Club World Cup.
A history maker, Ferguson has given Man United some of its most triumphant memories, including a heroic stoppage-time comeback defeating Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.
It seemed anything could happen when his side headed into ‘Fergie-time’.
The club hasn’t been the same since his departure in 2013.
Why have they parted ways?
In response to the club’s crippling debt and a vision of transforming the Theatre of Dreams into a modern masterpiece, INEO, under Sir Jim Radcliffe, has begun implementing significant cost-cutting strategies; and this seems to be one of them.
The club believes they can save around £45 million, which equates to R1 billion.
Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract, which has now been axed, was rumoured to be a multi-million deal.
Sir Jim Radcliffe recalled meeting the Scotsman days after inking his deal with the club, saying, “He was the first person I met when I went up there which I think was the second week of January and I had a meeting from 9am to 10am at his house and I left at 1pm,
“He never stopped. He’s got a lot of experience, a lot of stories to tell and a lot of thoughts about the club.
“I don’t think he has been encouraged to get involved but he is still very thoughtful about the club and he has an immense amount of experience. He really understands the values and traditions of the club and what it’s all about. He’s still fiercely competitive, Alex Ferguson.”
Although he has lost his contract, the ex-Man United manager will remain as a director of the club’s board – financially, this free’s up millions.
Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures
Erik ten Hag will hope to bounce back following a disappointing start to the season.
Manchester United vs Brentford (Oct 19, 16:00 SAST)
Fenerbahçe vs Manchester United (Oct 24, 21:00 SAST)
West Ham vs Manchester United (Oct 27, 16:00 SAST)
Do you think Manchester United made the right call?
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