Eric Cantona has called the decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s multi-million pound Manchester United ambassador contract “scandalous”.
The Athletic exclusively reported earlier on Tuesday that United part-owner INEOS had decided to end its annual financial commitment to Ferguson, who is the most successful manager in the club’s history, as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures.
After stepping down in 2013, Ferguson was retained as a global ambassador and club director and remunerated with an annual salary.
Ferguson, 82, will remain a non-executive director at the club and be welcome to attend future games.
Cantona, 58, joined United from Leeds in 1992 and inspired the club to four Premier League titles in five seasons, scoring 70 goals in 156 appearances.
In an Instagram published on Tuesday evening in response to the news, the former striker said: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies.”
He added: “Such a lack of respect. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever!”
Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups during his 26-year reign at Old Trafford.
Rio Ferdinand, who Ferguson signed for United in 2002 for a then British transfer record fee, suggested the decision was designed to send “a message” that “no one is safe” at the club.
The Old Trafford club have endured a disappointing start to the new season, taking just eight points from their opening seven games, leading to speculation over Erik ten Hag’s future as manager.
United return to action at home to Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday.
(Andrew Yates/AFP via Getty Images)
