Sir Alex Ferguson and other senior Manchester United board members have reportedly been banned from the dressing room as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to cut back the legend’s role at the club.
It emerged on Tuesday that part-owner Ratcliffe had decided to part ways with Sir Alex who has served as the club’s global ambassador since he retired as manager in 2013. He’s the single most influential figure in the club’s history and news of his imminent exit was met with backlash from a host of prominent figures, like Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona – the latter branding it a ‘scandal.’
It’s part of a reported cost-cutting measure from Ratcliffe but rather than back down, it’s emerged he is set to go one further. The Times say the INEOS chief is set to end the longstanding tradition that allows senior board members to enter the dressing room at will. And it means Ferguson, who remains on the board despite his ambassadorial duties coming to an end, will see his role limited even further.
It’s been reported that Ferguson’s phasing out from active involvement has been amicable but not everyone has taken the news well. A furious Cantona said after the news broke on Tuesday: “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***!”
It’s believed Ferguson will continue to be welcomed at games despite his stripped-back involvement.
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