Sir Alex took Ratcliffe’s decision to end ambassadorial role in his stride but former players expressed dismay

SIR Alex Ferguson's response to his ambassadorial role at Manchester United being terminated last year said it all about his character.

- By BEN CRAWFORD

The decision, which was part of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's cost-cutting measures, drew significant criticism. Ineos boss Ratcliffe spoke out last week about his two-year tenure at Old Trafford, having acquired nearly a 30 per cent stake in the club from the Glazer family in 2023.

He discussed the financial cutbacks that marked his early reign and led to the termination of legendary manager Ferguson's role. After stepping down from his trophy-laden stint as United’s manager in 2013, Ferguson was kept on with a multi-million-pound annual contract as a club ambassador.

Ratcliffe chose to terminate this agreement, sparking outrage among former United players, but Ferguson's reaction was quite revealing. Club insiders stated a year ago that the decision to let him go was part of cuts that resulted in approximately 250 employees losing their jobs.