Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
Alex Ferguson retired as Manchester United’s manager in 2013, but he never really left Old Trafford. Notwithstanding the “SIR ALEX FERGUSON STAND” lettering that looms over the pitch, Ferguson has been working for Manchester United as a global club ambassador earning £2 million a year. Not anymore. Jim Ratcliffe, who took over sporting operations at the club earlier this year, has overseen a wave of job cuts. The most successful manager in football history is the latest target. It’s an understandable move for a company aiming for financial sustainability. The club lost £113 million last season, despite record annual revenues. But symbolically, Ferguson’s departure exemplifies how far Manchester United is from being a functioning club: the stadium is falling apart and the squad isn’t performing. For Ratcliffe, Ferguson is no longer a watchful eye, but a sorry reminder of former glories.
