Paul Scholes blasts Manchester United’s ‘distasteful’ and ‘disrespectful’ Sir Alex Ferguson decision

Paul Scholes has criticised Manchester United’s decision to bring an end to Sir Alex Ferguson ambassadorial contract, labelling the move ‘distasteful’ and ‘disrespectful’.

Ferguson departed United in 2013 as the most decorated manager in the club’s history after lifting 38 pieces of silverware, including 13 Premier League trophies and two Champions League crowns.

The 82-year-old has, though, remained a regular attendee at Old Trafford in his ambassadorial role with the Red Devils, a position which saw the iconic Scot earn as much as £2.6million-a-year.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who completed a partial takeover of United in February, has been keen to tighten the pursestrings where possible and Ferguson’s arrangement has been brought to a halt.

The decision has raised eyebrows among fans, pundits and former players, with club legend Eric Cantona accusing INEOS of ‘lacking respect’ and branding the move ‘scandalous’.

Scholes echoed his ex-team-mate’s comments while addressing the decision on TNT Sports, criticising the ‘poor’ timing considering United’s current predicament.

‘It’s a tough one. I felt it was a little bit distasteful for what that man has done for the club,’ Scholes – who played under Ferguson for 19 seasons – said.

‘It’s almost a bit disrespectful. But they’re new owners and new owners make changes.

‘They think what they’re doing is best for the club. Now, if they think they can save whatever money it is, I know it’s been talked about £2m I don’t know if that’s correct or what, but if they think they can use that elsewhere then so be it.

‘But this club owes a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s where it is now mainly because of him, the success he had for so many years.’

Th ex-United and England midfielder added: ‘Probably the timing of it was a little bit poor as well because you think they’re in a really bad run of form.

‘Could you have waited or done it before the season started or done it at the end of the season? The publicity wasn’t great around it.

‘Sir Alex will be fine, he’ll go on, he’ll be the best ambassador this club could ever have.’

Former United manager Jose Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, meanwhile, believes Ferguson still has ‘the most important thing’ – the ‘love and respect’ of fans across the globe.

‘The ambassadorial role I really don’t know in depth the situation but it doesn’t matter why, or what. What Sir Alex has the most important thing which is the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world,’ the self-proclaimed Special One said.

‘That is more important than an ambassadorial role, it is more important than a few pounds that he can make that he doesn’t need.

‘The most important thing is the love and the respect every Manchester United fan has for him.

‘My relationship with Alex was amazing and incredible, when my Netflix documentary comes out, you’ll know more about the reason why I have so much respect for him.’

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