Jose Mourinho has commented on Manchester United’s decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract.
Last week, The Athletic reported that United’s co-owners, INEOS, had extended their cost-cutting measures by discontinuing the multi-million-pound annual agreement with Ferguson.
After stepping down as manager in 2013, following a 26-year career during which he won 38 trophies, Ferguson stayed on as a global club ambassador and director, reportedly earning an annual salary of around £2 million.. .Continue Reading
According to The Athletic, Ferguson’s ambassadorial role is detailed in United’s 2014 financial accounts under related party transactions.
The club confirmed that on October 17, 2013, Ferguson signed an agreement to become a global ambassador and was paid £2.16 million for his services.
This arrangement lasted for more than a decade, with Ferguson also continuing to serve as a director on United’s football board.
On Ferguson having his contract terminated, former United coach Mourinho said: “My relationship with Sir Alex was amazing, incredible and when my Netflix documentary comes out you will know more about the reason why I have so much respect for him.
“The ambassadorial role. I don’t know the in depth situation, it doesn’t matter why or what. Sir Alex has the most important thing, which is the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world, that is more important than the ambassadorial role or money he doesn’t need.
“The most important thing is the love and the respect that every Manchester United fan has for him.”
The Glazer family, Manchester United’s majority owners, were reportedly content to approve the payments to Ferguson, recognizing that much of the club’s ongoing success and value is attributed to his contributions and legacy.
When Jim Ratcliffe attended his first United match in person after finalizing his deal to purchase a stake in the club, he was seated next to Ferguson in the directors’ box.
“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 about Ferguson in February. “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.”
