José Mourinho has voiced his disappointment over Manchester United’s decision to terminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial role, a move which has sparked controversy within the football community.
Ferguson, who retired as United manager in 2013 after a glittering 26-year career that saw him win 38 major trophies, had continued his association with the club in a global ambassador role, earning £2.6 million a year.
However, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the current United hierarchy implementing a series of cost-cutting measures, Ferguson’s paid role has been scrapped. This decision has drawn criticism from former players, including Eric Cantona, who called it “scandalous.”
Mourinho, who will face his former club when his Fenerbahce side meets United in the Europa League, shared his thoughts on the matter. The Portuguese coach, who was sacked by United in 2019, spoke warmly of his relationship with Ferguson, emphasizing that the legendary manager’s influence and legacy at Old Trafford go far beyond any financial compensation.
“The ambassadorial role, I really don’t know the details, but it doesn’t matter,” Mourinho said. “What Sir Alex has is more important: the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world. That is more important than any role or the money, which he doesn’t need.”
Mourinho, who has often spoken highly of Ferguson, reiterated the legendary status of the Scot within the club’s history, stressing that it should not be diminished by recent decisions from the club’s new leadership.
“My relationship with Alex was amazing and incredible. When my Netflix documentary comes out, you’ll know more about the reason why I have so much respect for him,” Mourinho added.
Mourinho’s time at Manchester United was a mixed affair, marked by notable successes like winning the Europa League and the League Cup in his first season. In his second season, United finished as runners-up in the Premier League behind Manchester City.
As United faces turbulence both on and off the pitch, Ferguson’s removal from his ambassadorial role serves as another contentious decision in an era marked by change and uncertainty at Old Trafford.