Sir Alex Ferguson’s brutal Manchester United axe and Sir Jim Ratcliffe fallout

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Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson turns 84 on Tuesday, and the managerial great is no longer as welcome at Old Trafford following a brutal decision by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Sir Alex Ferguson was brutally ejected from his Manchester United role after Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over at Old Trafford(Image: Getty)

Everything you need to know

Brutal Axe: Manchester United ended Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year contract as a global club ambassador in October 2024 to reduce overall spending. This decision was made by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership team as part of a wider financial overhaul.
In-Person Meeting: The termination of the long-standing agreement was reportedly handled in person during an amicable meeting between Ratcliffe and Ferguson. Sir Alex reportedly accepted the decision despite being “grumpy” on the matter, showing his class and continued dedication to the club’s long-term success.
Legends Backlash: This cost-cutting measure has sparked intense backlash from club legends like Eric Cantona, who labeled the decision “totally scandalous.” Former England defender Rio Ferdinand also warned that if the club’s greatest manager is vulnerable, then no staff member’s position is truly safe.
Ratcliffe Defence: Ratcliffe has defended these aggressive financial strategies by stating that the club’s operational costs had become unsustainably high. He believes these difficult choices are essential to move away from a history of “dumb money” and poor investment.
Widescale Redundancies: The removal of Ferguson’s paid role is part of a larger redundancy program that has seen approximately 250 employees lose their jobs. This restructuring aims to streamline the organisation and ensure every department contributes efficiently to the club’s footballing goals.
Fergie Remains: Despite losing his formal ambassadorial salary, Ferguson will retain his position as a non-executive director on the club’s board. He remains a regular presence at matches and continues to offer his support to the club he managed for 27 years.
Complete Renovation: Under the new INEOS management, United are undergoing a top-to-bottom transformation of their footballing and scouting operations. This process includes replacing key executives and overhauling a recruitment policy that has been heavily criticised in recent seasons.
Controversial Cuts: While some critics fear the club is losing its traditional identity, others argue these ruthless changes are necessary to end years of mediocrity. The new leadership is focused on building a modern, high-performance environment that can finally challenge for major trophies again.
READ THE FULL STORY: Man Utd terminate Sir Alex Ferguson contract after brutal Sir Jim Ratcliffe call