Sir Alex Ferguson’s longstanding £2 million contract as a Manchester United ambassador has been terminated by Ineos, as part of the company’s broader efforts to reduce costs at the club. Ferguson, who has held the role since stepping down as United’s manager in 2013, has been a global ambassador and football board director for over a decade, but his contract will not be renewed at the end of the season.
Ineos, owned by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, took control of Manchester United and immediately launched an internal cost-cutting campaign. This drive has already resulted in significant reductions, including the announcement this summer that 250 jobs would be cut across United’s operations, including Old Trafford, the Carrington training facility, and the club’s London office.
Ferguson, a legendary figure in the football world and widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the history of the sport, has now been identified as part of this cost-saving strategy. Despite his prominent role within the club, which he led to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League victories, his ambassadorial duties will come to an end.
Discussions between Ferguson and club officials are reported to have been amicable, and it was mutually agreed that his contract would not be renewed. Nevertheless, Ferguson will maintain a non-executive director position at the club, ensuring his continued influence behind the scenes, albeit in a reduced capacity. The former United manager, who turns 83 in December, remains a beloved figure in the club’s history and a revered figure in global football.
The decision comes at a time when Manchester United is struggling on the pitch. Despite spending more than £200 million on new players during the recent transfer window, the team currently sits 14th in the Premier League standings after enduring their worst-ever finish last season, where they ended in eighth place. In total, under the management of Erik ten Hag, who took charge in 2022, the club has spent approximately £600 million on new signings, raising questions about the balance between spending and performance.
It remains unclear whether the cost-cutting measures will extend to other Manchester United ambassadors, many of whom are former players who have maintained a presence within the club’s operations. Notable names include Andy Cole, Park Ji-sung, Dwight Yorke, Denis Irwin, and Bryan Robson, all of whom have represented the club in ambassadorial roles. Whether these former stars will see their contracts similarly reviewed or terminated remains to be seen.
Ferguson’s departure from his ambassadorial role marks the end of a significant chapter in Manchester United’s modern history, as the club undergoes restructuring both on and off the field. While his influence at the club may be reduced, his legacy as one of football’s greatest managers remains firmly intact.
