Manchester United's decision to pay Alex Ferguson £2 million a year for his ambassadorial role has sparked controversy, especially in light of recent staff layoffs. While Ferguson's legacy at Old Trafford is firmly established, the revelations about his earnings have left a bitter taste for many. The backdrop to this discussion is a memorable summer evening in 2008 when Wayne Rooney shone in a 2-0 victory for Manchester United against Aberdeen. This friendly match celebrated the 25th anniversary of Ferguson's remarkable achievement in leading Aberdeen to Cup Winners' Cup glory. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically during the post-match press conference. Frank Gilfeather, a well-known figure in the northeast, posed a question to Ferguson regarding the implications of Carlos Queiroz's departure from United to become the head coach of Portugal. Ferguson, seemingly unaware of Gilfeather's presence, shot him a glare that could only be described as fierce. After a tense pause that felt like an eternity, Ferguson responded to the question with articulate clarity. Once the press conference wrapped up, a group of journalists rushed to Gilfeather, eager to understand the reason behind Ferguson's intense reaction. Given Gilfeather's long-standing coverage of Ferguson during his time in Aberdeen, it was assumed they shared a cordial relationship. The contrast between Ferguson's lucrative compensation and the club's recent cost-cutting measures raises questions about priorities and fairness within the organization.

Manchester United is undergoing significant cuts as part of an economic overhaul led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and one of the most notable changes involves the club's legendary former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Since taking on the role of club ambassador in 2013 after his retirement, Ferguson has been compensated handsomely, with reports indicating he earned over £2 million annually for his services. However, as Ratcliffe continues to implement cost-saving measures following his acquisition of a 27.7% stake in the club last December, Ferguson has become one of the latest casualties of these budget reductions. This comes on the heels of a broader initiative that saw 250 staff members laid off during the summer. It has been reported that Ferguson has reached a mutual agreement with the club to conclude his ambassadorial duties at the end of the current season. At 83 years old, Ferguson has been contemplating a reduction in his responsibilities, especially following the passing of his wife, Lady Cathy, in October 2023. The decision to step back from his role appears to align with his personal circumstances and the club's ongoing restructuring efforts.