Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson has intervened to prevent what could have been a significant misstep by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS at Old Trafford.
The legendary former manager stepped in to preserve the privileges of Sir Matt Busby’s family, ensuring the continuation of a tradition that honors one of United’s most revered figures.
Ferguson retired as United manager in 2013 but remains a towering figure in the club’s history. After Ratcliffe’s INEOS completed a minority takeover of the club in February and introduced cost-cutting measures, Ferguson reportedly stepped forward to address concerns raised by the Busby family.
Sir Matt Busby, who managed United for 24 years, built the team tragically lost in the Munich Air Disaster and later guided the club to European glory. Following his passing in 1994, Busby’s family was granted complimentary tickets in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, with access to an exclusive lounge.
However, during the summer, their seats were relocated within the stand, leaving the family distressed due to a perceived lack of communication from the club.
Ferguson took the issue directly to United’s chief executive Omar Berrada and chief operating officer Collette Roche. His intervention ensured that the Busby family regained their original privileges, including access to the directors’ bar.
Sources claim there was never an intention to revoke the Busby family’s privileges entirely, but an insider remarked, “There are two things you don’t touch at United – one is Fergie and the other is the Busbys.”
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns over INEOS’s approach to the club’s heritage and traditions. Since their minority acquisition, cost-cutting measures have included the redundancy of over 250 staff members and reductions in club expenses across various departments.
Despite these changes, Ferguson’s actions underscore the importance of safeguarding Manchester United’s storied legacy, ensuring figures like Sir Matt Busby remain central to the club’s identity.