Eric Cantona has fiercely criticized Manchester United's latest decision to cut Sir Alex Ferguson’s paid ambassador role as part of the club’s cost cutting measures. The decision comes after the ownership of INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who have implemented several cost saving strategies, including laying off around 250 jobs. Ferguson’s ambassador role is one of the most high-profile cuts, and Cantona didn’t hold back on social media, saying, "Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. Such a lack of respect."
Cantona, signed by Ferguson and played a key role in United’s early Premier League successes, is just one of many former players who have expressed their disapproval of the decision. Despite the ambassador contract being terminated, Ferguson will still have a presence at Old Trafford as a non-executive director, and reports suggest that the talks about the termination were handled amicably. However, Sir Alex Ferguson enjoys a certain stature at the club that many didn’t take the news well as they cite the success of the club mainly to him during his illustrious period at the club.
Ferguson, now 83, retired in 2013 after a legendary 27-year career as United’s manager, winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League trophies. His influence on the club is still felt, and the loyalty of former players like Cantona shows just how much he means to them.
The cost measures are part of an effort to make Manchester United more financially sustainable. The club recently posted losses of around £113.2m for the last year, and while these moves are unpopular, they are expected to save United around £40m-45m and help improve their financial situation in the coming seasons.
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