Sir Alex Ferguson's thoughts on Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he steps down from Man United role

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has brutally ended Sir Alex Ferguson's ambassadorial contract with Manchester United, despite their friendly relationship.

The agreement, reportedly worth over £2million annually, was terminated as part of Ineos' ongoing cost-cutting measures, which have already resulted in 250 United employees losing their jobs.

Ferguson, who won 38 trophies as Red Devils manager, became a global ambassador for the club shortly after his retirement and has held the position for over a decade.

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However, during a personal meeting with Ratcliffe, 71, Ferguson, 82, was told that the club would end the deal at the conclusion of the season. According to The Athletic, the 13-time Premier League champion harbours no resentment about the decision, and both parties reached a friendly understanding.

Considering the long-standing positive relationship between Ferguson and Ratcliffe, the Scot's response isn't particularly surprising. As the billionaire was finalising his purchase of a minority stake in United last year, Ferguson expressed his "optimism" about Ratcliffe and the potential influence he could exert on the club

"I am still a director of the club and I know Jim [Ratcliffe] well," he said at the time. "We shall have to see what he does but I am optimistic."

Both men have often been spotted sharing company at various United games over the last few months. Following a shared appearance in the director's box during United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham in January, Ratcliffe was effusive in his admiration for the iconic former 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 said. "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 the friendly terms on which his tenure is ending, it is believed that Ferguson feels disheartened by the sight of numerous ex-colleagues and friends being made redundant amidst Ineos' sweeping job cuts.

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