Paul Scholes leaps to Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence as he slams Man Utd over ‘disrespectful’ and ‘distasteful’ axing
PAUL SCHOLES has slammed Manchester United’s “distasteful” decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorial contract.
The iconic Old Trafford midfielder jumped to his former manager’s defence before United drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
The legendary Scot, 82, had transitioned into a role as a global ambassador after ending his 26-year tenure back in 2013.
The job is believed to have been worth £2.13million-a-year.
But it emerged earlier this month that Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson in a meeting that his contract would be axed.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Scholes said: “I thought it was a little bit distasteful for what that man has done for the club.
“Almost a little bit disrespectful but they’re new owners and new owners makes changes and they think what they’re doing is best for the club.
“If they think they can save whatever money I know it’s been talked about £2million, if they think they can use it elsewhere then so be it.
“This club owes a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s where it is now mainly because of the success he had for so many years.
“The timing of it was poor because you think they’re in a really bad run of form, could you have waited or done it before the season started, at the end of the season.
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Ferguson will remain as a non-executive director and retain his place in the chief’s box and table for eight which he hosts at home matches.
He is the club’s most successful manager of all time winning 13 Premier Leagues, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues at the helm at Old Trafford.
Ferguson’s formal employment will cease at the end of the current campaign as the club continue in their bid to cut costs.
The Ineos CEO and his team have embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February.
The Red Devils’ latest figures take total losses over the past five years to more than £370m, according to BBC Sport.
Meanwhile, things aren’t exactly going well on the pitch after Erik ten Hag’s side were held to a third consecutive draw in Europe, leaving them 21st in the league standings.
They have now failed to win in European competition for an entire year, since a 1-0 home win over Copenhagen on October 24, 2023.
Amid the chaos, Mourinho was red-carded, Andre Onana pulled off a ridiculous double save and Erik ten Hag survived another tactical brainstorm despite Youssef En-Nesyri’s header cancelling out Christian Eriksen’s opener.
Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.
Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.
But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.
SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…
Andre Onana – 7
Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.
His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.
Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.
Victor Lindelof – 4
Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.
Hauled off in the 54th minute.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.
Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.
Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.
Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.
Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.
Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.