By Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s most successful manager, is set to step down from his role as a global ambassador for the club at the end of the current season. This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring initiative by the club’s part-owners, INEOS.
Ferguson, 82, has been a prominent figure in the Old Trafford director’s box since his retirement from management in 2013. That same year, he signed an agreement to serve as a club ambassador, a position that reportedly earned him £2.16 million ($2.82 million) annually.
Sources close to the club describe the split as amicable, noting that Ferguson’s departure is part of his broader scaling back of time-consuming responsibilities. The legendary manager will always be welcome at Old Trafford, the source emphasized.
The decision to end Ferguson’s ambassador role comes amid widespread cost-cutting measures at Manchester United, which has been incurring financial losses for some time. Job cuts have been implemented across various departments of the club as part of these austerity measures.
Ferguson’s managerial tenure at Manchester United was unparalleled in its success. He led the club to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League victories, before his retirement in 2013.
The club’s fortunes have waned since Ferguson’s departure from the dugout. Manchester United currently sits in 14th place in the Premier League, following a disappointing eighth-place finish last season — their worst in the Premier League era. This poor performance comes despite significant investment in player transfers, with the club spending over £200 million on new signings in the most recent transfer window.
Since the appointment of current manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the 2022-23 season, United’s transfer expenditure has ballooned to approximately £600 million. The Dutch manager has faced criticism for the team’s underperformance relative to this substantial investment.
It remains unclear whether the ongoing cost-cutting measures will affect other club ambassadors, including former players Andy Cole, Park Ji-sung, Dwight Yorke, Denis Irwin, and Bryan Robson.
Ferguson’s departure from his formal role marks the end of an era for Manchester United. While his influence and legacy at the club remain immense, this move signifies a shift in the club’s approach as it grapples with financial challenges and seeks to rebuild its on-field success.
As Manchester United continues to navigate this period of transition, the impact of Ferguson’s reduced formal involvement will be closely watched by fans and football observers alike.
