Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was earning more per year as a global ambassador to the club than four of Erik ten Hag‘s players.
United part-owners INEOS have ruthlessly stopped paying Ferguson’s eye-watering annual salary 11 years after he stepped down from his role as head coach. Barely any detail was ever provided on the specifics of the Scotsman’s role at Old Trafford, which banked him £2.16million a year – equivalent to just over £40,000 a week.
INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on a cost-cutting mission after taking control of United’s football and wider business operations from the Glazer family earlier this year.
The money-saving drive saw 250 staff members made redundant, and Ferguson has become the latest casualty despite winning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four Carabao Cups across nearly three decades in charge of the Red Devils.
The 82-year-old will remain a non-executive director and is expected to continue attending matches at Old Trafford.
Details of Ferguson’s salary are even more eye-popping when compared to United’s current playing squad. Kobbie Mainoo, who started the Euro 2024 final for England and has been one of United’s best players this calendar year, is believed to earn less than half of Ferguson’s £2.16m wage.
Amad Diallo, who is keeping Alejandro Garnacho and Antony out of the side as a first-team regular this season, reportedly banks £1.5m per year. Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir’s salary is also exceeded by Ferguson’s, as well as youngster Daniel Gore, who is on a pro contract.
Ratcliffe and INEOS have not shied away from bold and potentially unpopular decisions since landing at Old Trafford. Staff were denied free travel to last season’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City, and their Christmas party has been cancelled.
Pinching pennies behind the scenes has not stopped them spending big in the transfer market. Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui were signed at great expense during the summer transfer window, and the club continue to fork out massive wages to the likes of Casemiro, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
Ratcliffe, and more urgently Ten Hag, are desperate to translate that spending into results on the pitch after a disappointing start to the season, which has left United 14th in the Premier League table.
