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Sir Alex, 82, became the latest casualty of the United’s scathing cut-backs. He will now carry on in a ceremonial unpaid role. But fans and stars were shocked at the move
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has blasted the move to axe Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2.16m deal as the club global’s ambassador.
Sir Alex, 82, has become the latest casualty of the United’s scathing cut-backs it was revealed on Tuesday. The former Red Devils boss had signed the deal after stepping down as manager in 2013, and will now carry on in a ceremonial unpaid role after an ‘amicable’ face-to-face meeting.
But fans and United stars alike slammed the ‘brutal’ and ‘shocking’ decision, questioning how adored ‘Fergie’ could “get the sack” before under-fire boss Erik Ten Hag. Yorke, 52, part of the Treble winning side which made history in 1999, told the Mirror : “I am as surprised as everyone else.
“We are going through a change at the football club from top to bottom. Everyone is looking over their shoulder at the moment. It is not really a fitting way to treat someone who has done so much for the football club, his contribution is unprecedented.
“They have been so successful for such a long time, the only people who know what is going on are those people who have just come in. I am not sure if everyone will be in agreement with the changes, but this will raise a few eyebrows. If they can do that to someone like Sir Alex Ferguson, then I suppose everyone is on a tightrope.”
Reacting on Twitter, Eric Cantona said: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever!”
Rio Ferdinand added: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then no one is safe at Man Utd – anyone can get it now. Ineos sending a message to anyone at the club?!”
Other stars from across the sport also condemned the move. Ex-Scotland legend Don Hutchison wrote: “Brutal! Just sell a bang average player and his wages would allow Sir Alex to stay on for years!”
Meanwhile Tottenham Hotspur player-turned-pundit Jamie O’Hara said “How’s Sir Alex been sacked before Ten Hag? Absolute shambles of a club.” Since acquiring his 28 percent share of the club INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cut 250 jobs and slashed a series of perks in a bid to balance the books.
Last month, United announced a £113m net loss, despite their total revenue being up £13.35m on the previous year to £661.755m in the 12 months to June 2024. The club is known to be close to the Premier League’s £115m three-year loss limit, although it is committed to abiding by the rules.
Every department and all levels were affected by the redundancies in July with performance analysts, the club’s kit man and members of the grounds staff losing their jobs overnight.
As well as thee job cuts, predicted to save £45m a year, Ratcliffe has withdrawn corporate credit cards and chauffeur-driven cars for executives, as well as free travel for employees to the FA Cup final in May.
It is also understood that this year’s staff Christmas party has been cancelled, amid fears it would be bad taste following so many job losses. Ferguson, United’s most successful manager thanks to his 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups, ‘will always be welcome’ at the club, according to insiders.
Over the last 11 years, his duties have included representing United all over the world, match-day hospitality engagements with partners and sponsors at Old Trafford, and appearing on promotional videos.
He has been a regular spectator at home and away games, only spending time away after a life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2018 and following the death of his beloved wife, Lady Cathy last October.
He will remain a non-executive director but his paid ambassadorial role will terminate at the end of the season. The decision was said to be amicable following a direct conversation between the Scot and Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week.
Paid £2.16m-a-year, it is believed Sir Alex was earning more than five members of the United first team squad, including England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, whose contract, signed last year, was worth a reputed £20,000-a-week.
Man Utd were approached for a comment by the Mirror.
