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Sir Alex Ferguson recently met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the first time since the Manchester United executive informed him that his long-standing contract would come to an end. Despite the potentially difficult nature of this conversation, both men were seen sharing a lighthearted moment and smiling.
Ratcliffe, the CEO of INEOS and now a minority owner at Manchester United, has been making a series of significant and, at times, controversial decisions since his involvement with the club. One of the most notable recent actions was informing Ferguson that his multimillion-pound ambassadorial role would cease at the end of the current season.
This ambassadorial agreement was established when Ferguson retired from his managerial role in 2013, marking the end of an illustrious career filled with numerous Premier League and Champions League titles.
Since stepping down, Ferguson has remained a consistent presence at Old Trafford, attending matches and maintaining a close relationship with the club. However, in an effort to manage financial resources more effectively, Ratcliffe made the decision to end the 82-year-old Ferguson’s contract, which reportedly amounted to over £2 million per year.
It has been reported that Ratcliffe personally delivered the news to Ferguson, which underscores the respect and significance of the communication. According to insiders, the conversation was amicable, and there have been no signs of animosity between Ferguson and Manchester United.
Ferguson is expected to continue his involvement with the club in his capacity as a Non-Executive Director, a role that allows him to contribute his insights and experience without the formal responsibilities of an ambassadorial contract.
This significant change did not appear to strain their relationship, as evidenced when the two men were seen attending Manchester United’s recent match against Chelsea at Old Trafford. Observers noted that, despite the financial cutbacks, there seemed to be no tension between Ferguson and Ratcliffe. Both men were reportedly relaxed and in good spirits during their encounter, suggesting that the mutual respect between them remains intact.
Ratcliffe has already overseen numerous off-field changes at Manchester United, demonstrating his commitment to restructuring and modernizing the club. These changes include adjustments in the club’s organizational structure and reductions in staffing, aligning with a plan to streamline operations.
Ratcliffe has emphasized the importance of allocating more funds towards the team’s performance on the field, enabling the manager to have more resources for player investments and squad enhancements.
Despite the changes to his role, Ferguson remains a revered figure at the club, symbolizing an era of unparalleled success. Ratcliffe has shown great respect for Ferguson’s legacy and has expressed admiration for the former manager’s vast experience and understanding of the club.
In recounting his initial meeting with Ferguson, Ratcliffe once shared: “When I first joined Manchester United, he was the first person I met. We had a meeting scheduled for an hour at his house, but we ended up talking for hours. He is full of insights, countless stories, and deep reflections on the club.”
Even as Manchester United enters a period of transformation, marked by Ratcliffe’s assertive management approach, the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson continues to be a bridge between the club’s storied past and its ambitions for the future.
This recent interaction between Ferguson and Ratcliffe hints that, despite necessary adjustments, the legacy of cooperation and respect will persist as the club navigates its next chapter.
