Manchester United new part-owners INEOS have ended a multi-million pound ambassadorial contract with Alex Ferguson as the club continued its cost-cutting programme.
The decision has been taken as part of a cost-cutting drive at the club put in place following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a minority stake in February.
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has blasted the move to axe Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2.16m deal as the club global’s ambassador.
“I am as surprised as everyone else. It is not really a fitting way to treat someone who has done so much for the football club, his contribution is unprecedented, he said.
Reacting on Twitter, Eric Cantona said: “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!”
Rio Ferdinand added: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then no one is safe at Man Utd – anyone can get it now. Ineos sending a message to anyone at the club?!”
Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, led United to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League and two Champions League titles, before he retired from management.