Rio Ferdinand shares Man Utd theory after Sir Jim Ratcliffe axes Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial decision to take away Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role at Manchester United has got tongues wagging – and Rio Ferdinand has a theory

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is trying to send a message that “no-one is safe” at Manchester United by sacking Sir Alex Ferguson, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Ferguson was told in a face-to-face meeting with the United co-owner that he is no longer required as a global ambassador. The legendary ex-United manager has earned nearly £25million from the gig, which paid £2.16m per year, since stepping down in May 2013.

The 82-year-old took the news with good grace and is likely to continue attending United matches, both home and away. The move is the most controversial and high-profile in the cost-cutting exercise Ratcliffe has undertaken since taking charge of the club in February.

The INEOS billionaire has made it clear that he believes United have been wasting money and that reducing expenditure is crucial in order to get the club back on track. He has cut 250 jobs in a bid to save around £10m, while also cancelling the Christmas party and freebies for staff.

Ferdinand played for United for 12 years – 11 of them under Ferguson’s management – and remains closely associated with the club, who have used him to woo transfer targets. The former centre-back believes that axing Ferguson could be part of a wider psychological strategy from Ratcliffe.

He tweeted: “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?!?” Ratcliffe has already trimmed the club’s staff by around a quarter – and seems intent in finding other areas where savings can be made.

The 71-year-old, who also owns OGC Nice and Lausanne and has interests in cycling, sailing and F1, is renowned for his hard-nosed decision making. Ratcliffe owns a one-third share in the Mercedes F1 team and team principal Toto Wolff gave a good insight into the way he works back in October 2023.

“This is a no bull**** organisation,” he said of INEOS. “They are huge in terms of revenue and profit. Decisions are being made quickly – three bullet points on a page and ‘here we go’. With Jim all the bull**** is cut out. So I think wherever he gets his power, and his resource and character behind it, that’s going to be an add-on for any team.”

Ratcliffe met with the United executives in the club’s central London office last week, when the future of Erik ten Hag was on the agenda. But it seems that cost-cutting – and the future of Ferguson’s role – was also discussed.

The petrochemicals billionaire has already ruffled feathers at United by cutting staff perks, including free tickets for the FA Cup final in May. Previously, staff allowed numerous tickets and their trips to London were funded, with a party put on as part of the package. However, this year staff only got one ticket and had to pay £20 for coach travel to and from Wembley.

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