Sir Alex Ferguson not attending first Man Utd game since being 'banned from dressing room'
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson learned that his ambassadorial contract would be axed at the end of the season earlier this week in a move that has divided opinion
by Dan Marsh · The MirrorSir Alex Ferguson will not be present at Manchester United's match with Brentford on Saturday - just days after the club moved to end his ambassadorial contract.
The legendary Scot, 82, is widely regarded as the club's greatest ever manager after winning 38 trophies during his 26 years at the helm and had moved into a global ambassador role shortly after stepping down back in 2013.
However, it emerged this week that Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe had informed Ferguson in a face-to-face meeting that they would be axing the deal, which was worth in the region of £2million-a-year, as part of their ongoing drive to cut costs at the club.
United return to action in the Premier League on Saturday with a home game against Brentford - but Ferguson will not be in attendance. That's due to a prior engagement, rather than anything more sinister, as first revealed by The Mail.
While it's said talks between Ferguson and Ratcliffe over the termination of his ambassadorial deal were amicable, it also emerged this week that he and other members of the club's football board are no longer allowed to visit the team's dressing room after games.
The two decisions have massively split the fanbase. Several former high-profile Manchester United players have also had their say on said developments, including Eric Cantona, who was seething over the decisions.
The iconic Frenchman reacted to the news on Instagram, posting: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!”
Join the debate! What do you make of the decision to axe Ferguson's deal? Let us know here.
Erik ten Hag paid a glowing tribute to Ferguson when he was asked about the decision to axe his ambassadorial contract. Speaking in his press conference on Friday, the Dutchman said: “Of course it has an impact on us. Sir Alex is Manchester United.
“He built United to where the club is now and it impacts us. But on the other side, we know and Sir Alex knows what he wants. He wants to see a winning Manchester United and I’m sure he’s always available for any advice and we will need him.
“Now and then we have good contact. I would say, once in half a year I meet formally with him, but also of course, informally, around games.”
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