Sir Jim Ratcliffe has opened up about his controversial decision to remove Sir Alex Ferguson from his ambassadorial role at Manchester United, calling it a necessary move to stabilize the club’s finances.
Ferguson, United’s most successful manager, lost his £2 million-a-year position in October as part of Ratcliffe’s widespread cost-cutting measures. Since taking a minority stake in the club and assuming control of football operations, Ratcliffe has made several tough calls, including significant job cuts.
His decisions have sparked backlash from fans, with protests against both Ratcliffe and the Glazer family intensifying. Many club employees also fear for their jobs as further redundancies loom. Despite the backlash, Ratcliffe insists the changes are essential for United’s long-term survival.
Speaking to the BBC, Ratcliffe revealed how he personally informed Ferguson of the decision. He explained that United was financially struggling, spending more than it earned, and that drastic action was required. While Ferguson was initially displeased, he later accepted the situation after discussing it with his son.
Ratcliffe praised Ferguson’s maturity in handling the news, noting that the legendary manager ultimately put the club’s interests first. Ferguson remains a regular visitor to Old Trafford but is no longer on United’s payroll.
Ratcliffe emphasized that while these decisions are difficult, they are necessary to prevent long-term damage. He assured fans that United would emerge stronger after these financial adjustments, with a clearer path to stability.
Beyond Ferguson’s exit, Ratcliffe has outlined the severity of United’s financial troubles. He warned that without urgent cost-cutting measures, the club could face serious financial peril. He highlighted losses totaling £330 million over the past seven years, citing rising wages and operational costs as key factors.
With a turbulent summer ahead, Ratcliffe’s leadership will be under intense scrutiny. Whether his approach will lead to success remains to be seen, but for now, he is focused on keeping United financially secure.