October 15th 2024.
Last year, after Manchester United's victory in the Carabao Cup, Sir Alex Ferguson was seen with Erik ten Hag. However, recent reports suggest that the football board at Manchester United, which includes Ferguson, has been asked to refrain from entering the players' dressing room. It has been revealed that United has terminated Ferguson's £2.6 million-a-year ambassadorial role as part of their cost-cutting measures.
This decision has caused quite a stir, especially among former United players. Eric Cantona, who was one of Ferguson's best-ever signings during his 26-year reign at Old Trafford, has criticized the club's decision, calling it a "lack of respect" and "totally scandalous." MailOnline has reported that not only has Ferguson's role been axed, but he, along with other senior figures, has been instructed to stay away from the players' changing room on matchdays. However, it should be noted that Ferguson has not been banned, but there is a mutual understanding about who is allowed in the players' inner sanctum.
In the past, leading figures at United have always been welcomed inside the changing room, even after Ferguson's retirement. This includes directors and former players. Former United captain Michael Carrick has revealed that the late Sir Bobby Charlton was a frequent visitor to the players' dressing room and his input was always appreciated. In 2019, Carrick said, "He comes into the changing room after every single game, his support is unwavering. Ever since I came to the club, that's something that stands out – the support we get from real legends and icons, not just from our club, but throughout football. Sir Bobby has been a huge support for me personally, but for every single player. Whether it's a good result or a bad result, he comes and shakes your hand and tells you not to worry, it'll be better next week, or well done and more of the same next week, depending on the result."
During Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign, Ferguson has been invited into the dressing room on multiple occasions. This includes after United's historic victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in 2019. Solskjaer himself has expressed his delight at having Ferguson in the dressing room, saying, "It's great to see the boss in there." It is worth noting that Ferguson's reaction to his contract being terminated by United was amicable and the club has made it clear that he is still welcome to attend games at Old Trafford.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has also weighed in on the situation, expressing his concern about the message this decision sends. He wrote, "If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Manchester United – anyone can get it now. Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?" It remains to be seen how this decision will affect the club and its relationships with former players and personnel.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
