Gary Neville starts new Manchester United role days after Sir Alex Ferguson's axing

Gary Neville has officially commenced his new role as an ambassador for the club, mere days after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson from a similar position.

This change comes in the wake of a cost-cutting initiative led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently ended Ferguson's lucrative contract, reportedly worth £2.16 million per year.

Ferguson, the iconic manager who guided United to unprecedented success over 27 years, transitioned to an ambassadorial role following his retirement in 2013.

His contributions to the club were immense, but the recent restructuring under Ratcliffe has prompted a re-evaluation of costs, leading to Ferguson’s departure from the ambassadorial role after a face-to-face meeting with Ratcliffe.

Neville, a former United defender with 602 appearances, is stepping into the ambassadorial spotlight.

Recently, he represented the club in India, participating in events at the Minerva Academy in Mohali.

There, he engaged with young footballers and promoted grassroots initiatives, showcasing United's commitment to developing football talent globally.

His social media presence has highlighted his efforts, as he shared moments from the Apollo Tyres flagship program.

In addition to his ambassadorial duties, Neville is also involved with United’s stadium task force, contributing to discussions around potential plans for a new stadium—a critical focus for the club under Ratcliffe’s stewardship.

While Ferguson remains a non-executive director and is reportedly still a cherished figure at Old Trafford, his removal from the ambassador role has sparked conversations about the club’s direction and leadership.

Sources suggest that the meeting regarding Ferguson's exit was amicable, reinforcing that he will always be welcome at United.