Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United’s legendary former manager, is set to step down from his role as a club ambassador at the end of the season, according to a source who spoke with The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Ferguson, who will turn 83 in December, has served as United’s ambassador since retiring after securing the club’s last Premier League title in 2013.
Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest managers, Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles and 28 major trophies during his tenure, making him the most successful manager in English football history.
His decision to step down comes during a time of significant changes at the club, following a partial takeover by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe earlier this year.
Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in the club for $1.3 billion and has initiated a major restructuring program, which includes staff reductions—approximately 250 positions—aimed at cutting costs. Manchester United also reported losses of $148 million in its latest financial report.
Ferguson joined Manchester United in 1986, at a time when the club had fallen from its dominant position in English football.
He ended their 26-year title drought by leading United to the Premier League crown in 1993 and continued to dominate the competition until his retirement.
Under his leadership, the club also claimed two Champions League titles and famously secured the treble in 1999 by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season.
Since his retirement, Ferguson has been a regular presence at United’s matches, both home and away, as the club has struggled to maintain its previous dominance on the pitch.
As part of the changes following Ratcliffe’s investment, the club’s football operations have been transferred from the Glazer family to Ratcliffe’s control.
A new CEO, Omar Berrada, and a new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, have been appointed, along with key figures from Ratcliffe’s Ineos Sports group, Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, who now serve on the club’s board. Ferguson continues to serve as a non-executive board member.
