Sir Alex Ferguson's feelings on Jim Ratcliffe speak volumes as he's 'axed' by Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his ambassadorial role with Manchester United terminated by the club's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, but the legendary manager is not bitter

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has terminated Sir Alex Ferguson's lucrative ambassadorial ties with Manchester United, despite their positive relationship.

It emerged on Tuesday that Ferguson's deal, valued at over £2million annually, has been scrapped as part of Ineos' sweeping budget reductions, which have resulted in 250 staff departure. Following his retirement in 2013, Ferguson, who won 38 trophies as United boss, became a global ambassador for the club, and has stayed in the role for more than a decade. However, following a face-to-face meeting with Ratcliffe, he's been informed that his contract will be severed at the end of the current season.

According to The Athletic, the 82-year-old Scot took no offence to the decision, and both sides parting ways on cordial terms. Considering the friendly history between Ferguson and Ratcliffe, this isn't much a surprise.

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Shortly before Ratcliffe's minority stake in United was confirmed, Ferguson said he felt "optimistic" about the billionaire and the impact he might have on the club: "I am still a director of the club and I know Jim (Ratcliffe) well," he said at the time, adding: "We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic."

Ferguson and Ratcliffe have been spotted sitting together, or in close proximity, at various United games throughout the past year. Following a shared appearance in the director's box during the club's 2-2 draw with Tottenham in January, Ratcliffe expressed high regard for the iconic Scottish manager.

"He was the first person I met when I went up there which I think was the second week of January and I had a meeting from 9am to 10am at his house and I left at 1pm," Ratcliffe recalled. "He never stopped. He's got a lot of experience, a lot of stories to tell and a lot of thoughts about the club.

"I don't think he has been encouraged to get involved but he is still very thoughtful about the club and he has an immense amount of experience. He really understands the values and traditions of the club and what it's all about. He's still fiercely competitive, Alex Ferguson."

Despite Ferguson's peaceful approach to his upcoming exit, it is believed that he feels disheartened by witnessing many former colleagues and acquaintances being dismissed as part of Ineos' extensive layoffs.

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