Mike Ashley at Manchester United - comparisons made after brutal Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is being compared to detested former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley for his Sir Alex Ferguson treatment.
It was announced yesterday that Manchester United will axe Ferguson from his ambassador role. The Athletic claim the 82-year-old - regarded as one of the greatest managers ever - will step down from his role next summer.
Ferguson had undertaken an advisory position at Old Trafford since stepping down as Man United boss in 2013. His iconic 27-year reign as manager resulted in 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, four League Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Given his status at Man United, the Glazers kept him around on an ambassadorial basis. However, Ineos billionaire Ratcliffe was given sporting control when he bought a minority stake earlier this year.
And as part of a cost-cutting strategy, the Red Devils will now axe his £2million per year salary from next year. Man United have already trimmed 250 staff from the wage bill, scrapped company credit cards and stopped employees working from home in recent months.
They will now dismiss Ferguson from his role while keeping him as a non-executive director, similar to Sir Bobby Charlton’s position before he passed last year. Newcastle fans have poked fun at the situation, drawing comparisons between Ashley’s regime at St James’ Park.
The Sports Direct tycoon famously fell out with club legends Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer during his 14-year ownership. One Toon fan joked on social media that Ratcliffe is “Ashley with a chemistry set” - a nod to his pharmaceuticals company Ineos.
Another posted: "This is the most Mike Ashley thing I've ever seen. Ratcliffe is just a well-spoken version of him."