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Manchester United’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson will step down as a club ambassador at the end of this season, according to a source who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday. The individual, speaking anonymously as the decision has yet to be made public, described Ferguson’s departure as “amicable,” adding that the iconic manager will “always be welcome at Old Trafford.”
Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. During his tenure with Manchester United, he won 13 Premier League titles and a total of 28 major trophies, making him the most successful manager in English football history. After retiring in 2013, following his final league title win with United, Ferguson has served as a club ambassador, regularly attending matches and maintaining a close association with the team.
His upcoming departure as ambassador coincides with significant changes at Manchester United. Earlier this year, British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club, marking a major transformation in its operations. Ratcliffe’s $1.3 billion investment has led to a restructuring effort, including staff cuts affecting about 250 positions. The club is also grappling with financial challenges, having reported losses of $148 million in its latest accounts.
Ferguson initially took charge of Manchester United in 1986 when the club was struggling to reclaim its former dominance in English football. Under his leadership, United ended a 26-year league title drought in 1993 and went on to dominate the Premier League for decades. Notably, Ferguson guided the team to two Champions League titles and achieved an unprecedented treble in 1999, winning the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup in the same season.
Despite stepping down as manager, Ferguson has continued to be a regular presence at United matches, watching the club through periods of success and decline. As part of the restructuring, control of the club’s football operations has shifted from the Glazer family, the majority shareholders, to Ratcliffe’s team. This new leadership includes CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and key figures from Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sport, such as Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc.
Sir Alex Ferguson remains a non-executive member of Manchester United’s board.
