Eric Cantona blasts ‘scandalous’ Manchester United over Sir Alex Ferguson contract termination

Eric Cantona has branded Manchester United’s hierarchy ‘scandalous’ over their decision to terminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s contract as a club ambassador.

Ferguson was United’s manager for 26 years and won 38 trophies during his time at Old Trafford before his retirement in 2013.

The 82-year-old was kept on at United as a global ambassador, for which he was paid £2 million a year, as well as a club director.

However, as part of Ineos’ cost-cutting measures at United, the club have now terminated Ferguson’s ambassador deal, with payments due to end next year.

United will still welcome Ferguson to watch matches at Old Trafford, however, one of the Scot’s former players has been angered by the club’s move.

In a post on Instagram, Cantona posted a picture of himself alongside Ferguson with the caption: ‘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***!’

Earlier on Tuesday, former United defender Rio Ferdinand wrote on X: ‘If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Manchester United – anyone can get it now. Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?’ 

Ratcliffe and Ineos took minority control of United in February and have quickly put measures in place to cut costs behind the scenes.

The club saved around £10m a year by cutting 250 jobs, while senior executives have had club credit cards taken from them.

For their trip to Wembley for the FA Cup final in May, United cut employee benefits which included multiple tickets for friends and family, free transport to the stadium and a meal before the game.

During the summer transfer window, United were the second-highest spenders in the Premier League with their £200m outlay on five new signings.

However, United have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign after seven games

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