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After 38 years, Sir Alex Ferguson is no longer employed by Manchester United. The company INEOS has decided to cut costs and has terminated the legendary coach's contract. The great legend of United, who is most responsible for the club's successes, will now officially no longer be part of the club, marking his second retirement. This time, he had a different role.
Ferguson has not been actively managing the team since 2013 when his 27-year tenure at Old Trafford ended. However, he remained on the club's payroll as a global ambassador. Reports indicate that this status earned him £2.16 million annually, amounting to an impressive €28.5 million since 2013. An enormous figure for the former coach of the Red Devils, who still follows United's matches with the same passion.
If anyone deserved such a position, it was him—the man who elevated Manchester United to global prominence, bringing home 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, the Cup Winners' Cup, and numerous other accolades.
However, as the saying goes, "yesterday in football doesn't exist." The INEOS company, led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has decided to end this arrangement in an effort to reduce expenses, particularly those deemed unnecessary. Sir Alex graciously accepted the decision, noting that he has earned enough over his lifetime, and it must be acknowledged that United has been generous in the past.
Now it’s time to tighten the belt, and INEOS has even canceled the employee Christmas party as a cost-saving measure. There will also be less usage of private drivers and club credit cards, and some employees may need to cover their own transport to the FA Cup final, a tradition the club has maintained for years, along with paid hotel accommodations.
In total, INEOS has outlined a list of around 250 cost-saving measures, with all savings being reinvested into player acquisitions.
The Scotsman has secured 38 trophies since taking charge of the club on November 6, 1986, including this year's English championship title.
His collection includes 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, five FA Cup trophies, and four League Cups.
"I make this decision after long reflection. I think this is the right time for it," said Ferguson in 2013.
In a statement reported by the BBC, Ferguson thanked the people who helped him turn United into one of the best clubs in the world.
"I pay tribute to my family; their love and support have been crucial," Ferguson said.
In a recent interview with the BBC, legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about his health. After undergoing emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage in early 2018, Ferguson reports that he feels well. However, at 82 years old, he admits to fearing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
He mentioned the recent passing of legendary player Bobby Charlton, who fought a long battle with dementia, and how Denis Law, now 85, is struggling with Alzheimer's.
Ferguson expressed that at his age, it is natural to worry about such conditions, stressing that he often thinks about the possibility of developing dementia or Alzheimer's. He shared his strategies for maintaining good health, mentioning that his memory is quite sharp and that he engages in activities that benefit him.
He reads extensively and finds that participating in quizzes helps keep his mind clear. Ferguson enjoys watching quizzes on YouTube and challenges himself to answer questions, admitting that if he scores less than 70 percent correct, he becomes concerned. He also revealed that he sometimes misses the thrill of managing games from the sidelines.
Manchester United and the crisis of this club
Since the departure of the Scottish strategist, the club has changed many coaches, but it seems that none have managed to achieve what they envisioned for the team. United has had a few bright moments since Ferguson left, but nothing noteworthy.
The English club is currently under the management of Erik ten Hag, who is struggling to implement his vision at United. The Dutch coach has assembled a team that should be competing at the highest level, but things don't appear to be going as planned.
Fans long for a manager like Ferguson, but in modern football, it’s truly difficult to find someone of his caliber. There are very few coaches like the Scotsman, who led the club with a passion for years until he realized it was time to part ways.
A lot of changes are needed, from the lowest levels to the highest. United will attempt to turn things around in the near future, especially with the new ownership. Fans are eager to see brighter days for the club after a prolonged period of crisis.
The news of Ferguson's departure disappointed the fans this time too, but each season carries its burden.
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