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The former Red Devils' boss no longer has free access to the first team's dressing room despite calling it home for more than 27 years
In addition to being removed as a club ambassador, Manchester United have reportedly barred legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson from entering the first-team dressing room at Old Trafford, breaking a long-standing club tradition.
This decision comes shortly after INEOS stripped Ferguson’s multi-million-pound ambassadorial contract as part of a widespread cost-cutting initiative.
Dressing room access revoked after 60 years of tradition
For decades, Ferguson and other senior figures from the club’s football board have been welcome in the dressing room after matches.
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This tradition dates back to the days of Sir Matt Busby and has been maintained even after Ferguson stepped down as manager in 2013.
However, with INEOS taking charge of football operations, the club has now reportedly introduced a new policy limiting access to the dressing room.
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While United has denied explicitly banning Ferguson from the inner sanctum, they claim there is now a "collective understanding" regarding who is allowed inside.
This marks a significant departure from the past, where Ferguson, David Gill, Sir Bobby Charlton, and other board members had unrestricted access after matches.
More cuts as Ferguson’s ambassador role ends
This decision follows the termination of Ferguson’s £2.16 million-a-year ambassadorial contract, a role he had held since stepping down as manager eleven years ago.
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Ferguson’s responsibilities as ambassador had included representing the club globally, engaging with sponsors, and hosting guests on match days.
However, in a face-to-face meeting with INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the 82-year-old was informed that, as part of the club’s cost-cutting measures, his ambassadorial role would no longer continue.
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Though Ferguson will retain his non-executive director title and continue to host his table of eight in the director’s box at Old Trafford, his reduced presence at the club has left many fans and former players feeling that the club is losing touch with its rich history.
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