Sir Alex Ferguson to MISS Brentford clash just four days after axe as Man Utd ambassador

SIR ALEX FERGUSON is set to miss Manchester United’s clash with Brentford today – just four days after being axed as a club ambassador.

Earlier this week, Sir Alex was relieved of his duties as a club ambassador at Man Utd – losing his £2.16m-per-year paycheque in the process.

The axing, which came as part of Ineos’ continued cost-cutting measures, is said to have been accepted amicably during a meeting.

Ferguson is understood to be maintaining his position as a non-executive member of the board at the club he managed for 26 years.

The 82-year old is also said to be welcome at any United games going forward, as he has been since his departure as manager in 2013.

But that won’t be happening today with the Scot set to skip out on attending Old Trafford to watch Erik ten Hag’s side take on Brentford in the Premier League.

Ferguson will not be at the Prem clash against the Bees as it is claimed the newly axed former gaffer is at a prior engagement.

Current boss Ten Hag has already spoken on the “impact” Sir Alex stepping down from his role will have on Man Utd as a club going forward.

In his pre-match press conference, he said: “Of course, it has an impact on us.

“Sir Alex is Manchester United, he built Manchester United to where the club is now, it impacts us.”

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

Adding: “Sir Alex wants to see a winning Manchester United.

“I’m sure he’s always available for every advice, we will need him as we did in the last two and a half years.”

Ferguson’s £2.16m-per-year contract was seeing him earn more than FIVE United first team players – including England international Kobbie Mainoo.

However, many fans and pundits think that Ferguson’s ambassadorial salary was justifiable given his impact on the club during his 26-year stint in the dugout.

And former Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand – who won six Premier League titles under Ferguson – has suggested that his former gaffer’s status could be one of the motivating factors behind taking him off the payroll.

Hinting that the decision to “axe” a name like Fergie could send a message to everyone at Man Utd that nobody is safe under the new regime.

Taking to social media, Ferdinand wrote: “If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd – anyone can get it now.

“Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk