- Ferguson led Man United to 38 trophies in a 26-year reign before retiring in 2013.
- The legendary coach became a global ambassador after his retirement.
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Rio Ferdinand believes Ineos are “sending a message” to everyone at Manchester United following their decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorship deal.
Ferguson became the club’s ambassador and global director after stepping down as manager in 2013 following a 26-year reign. He was reportedly paid £2.16 million a year to serve as the club’s global ambassador in a deal that has continued for more than a decade.
However, according to The Athletic, this deal will be finalized following a face-to-face meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority owner of the Red Devils.
The move comes as part of a cost-cutting drive by Ratcliffe since Ineos took over football operations at the Premier League giants.
Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, believes this move shows that “no one is safe” at the club.
Rio Ferdinand believes decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassador contract is a sign that no one is safe at the club
The legendary Scottish manager received more than 2 million a year from the club after his retirement in 2013.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson in a face-to-face meeting that the club could no longer continue payments
“If Sir Alex can be knocked out then NO ONE IS SAFE at (Man United) – anyone can get him now.” Ineos send a message to ANYONE at the club?!?’ He wrote in X.
It was claimed that the finalization of the deal had been dealt with amicably, with Ferguson remaining as a non-executive director and welcome to attend matches.
Ferguson had been pictured with the Man United hierarchy at the club’s final Premier League match before the international break against Aston Villa.
Ratcliffe was present for the 0-0 draw, which came before a board meeting scheduled last week. Ratcliffe and his Ineos team embarked on a deep financial review after acquiring a quarter of the club’s shares earlier this year.
Mail Sport revealed that this led to them making around 250 redundancies.
The club has worked to create a more efficient business and ensure it maximizes the amount it can spend on its playing equipment.
The decision to sack Ferguson was met with criticism from a large section of the club’s fan base on social media, many of whom expressed their discontent. Some followers were also quick to give meaning to Ferdinand’s post.
Some United fans believe Ferdinand’s comments are a warning to manager Erik ten Hag.
Several believe the former defender was referring to embattled Red Devils coach Erik ten Hag, who has admirably weathered a media storm following his team’s poor start to the season.
The Dutchman looks set to lead his team into this weekend’s Premier League clash against Brentford before traveling to Istanbul to take on Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
United will then have a couple of tougher league games against West Ham and Chelsea before the next international break in November.