Rio Ferdinand has spoken out after Sir Alex Ferguson's multi-million pound contract with Manchester United has come to an end after a decision from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
Ferguson had been in an ambassadorial role at the club since his retirement in 2013, however, the decision to axe the United legend was made due to cost-cutting-measures.
Ratcliffe informed Ferguson in a face-to-face meeting and the issue is said to have been dealt with amicably with no hard feelings between the pair.
This follows on from INEOS cutting 250 jobs back in July, free travel for staff for the FA cup final being scrapped and the Christmas party for employees also getting cancelled.
Advert
Following the news, Ferdinand took to social media platform X to share his thoughts on his old gaffer getting the boot.
Ferdinand wrote: "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"
It is understood that the 82-year-old will remain a non-executive director at the club, and still allowed to attend matches.
However he will not receive payments beyond the end of current season as his deal will expire.
Ratcliffe previously stated Ferguson was the first person he spoke to when he originally agreed a deal for the club back in February.
“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 told reporters.
"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.”
Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, Football
Tom Jenkins