Former legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be absent from the stands this afternoon as Manchester United face Brentford in the Premier League. This is following the decision by INEOS to end his ambassadorship contract reportedly worth £2 million annually as they seek to cut costs. The decision will take effect from the end of this season, reducing the 82-year-old’s role at the club he managed until 2013.
This decision has reportedly not affected the amicable relationship the old Scottish manager has with INEOS and its head Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He remains a distinguished figure at the club with a stand at Old Trafford named after him and a non-executive role reserved for him. However, a prior engagement has been given as the reason for his absence at the stadium today as the Red Devils try to turn their season around.
Notwithstanding, Sir Alex, as he’s fondly called, is understood to be under a new restriction from the team’s dressing room, a decision that has not been received well in several quarters. Former United No. 7 Eric Cantona has voiced his displeasure at the decision via social media. He wrote, “[He] 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***!”
Meanwhile, the clash with Brentford will be of significant importance to under-fire manager Erik ten Hag. Much has been rumoured about the Dutchman’s future during the international break but he has maintained he has the support of the decision-makers at the club.
Despite an eighth-place finish in the league last season, Ten Hag’s deal was extended in the summer. The Red Devils have not won the league since Sir Alex left in 2013 and this might be the farthest they’ve been from the mark.
The Bees are three places above United on the league table and will be hoping to get all three points at Old Trafford. Manager Thomas Frank was one of the names suggested as potential replacements for Ten Hag, lending more significance to the clash. He remarked during the break, “Who knows what will happen in the future? Maybe I will stay here for many years. I’m open, maybe something happens. How many coaches have been at the same club more than six years? Very few.”
