Man United ‘to bar Alex Ferguson from entering dressing room after games’

Ferguson's contract as the club's global ambassador has been cancelled.

Manchester United will no longer allow Alex Ferguson or other board members to enter the team dressing room after matches, according to reports.

The moves come following a decision led by Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS leadership group as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures at the Red Devils.

Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7% stake in United, has also terminated Ferguson’s multimillion-pound ambassadorial contract, ending his formal role at the end of the current season.

Since retiring in 2013, the 82-year-old former manager held the position of global club ambassador, earning around £2 million per year.

Ferguson's role also included access to the dressing room post-match, a privilege for former managers and senior club figures dating back to the Matt Busby era.

Although Ferguson rarely used it, other board members, such as the late Bobby Charlton, were regular visitors, according to The Times.

Man United legend Eric Cantona criticised the decision to end Ferguson's ambassadorial contract.

The former Red Devils captain accused Ratcliffe and his company Ineos of disrespecting the club legend.

Cantona expressed his anger on Instagram, writing, “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous.”

The policy restricting access to the dressing room was agreed upon before the start of the current season, according to reports.

Ferguson will retain his seat on the board alongside David Gill and Mike Edelson, but he will no longer receive a salary for his ambassadorial role after this season.

Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures have also led to the axing of 250 jobs and changes affecting disabled fans - increasing the cost of parking for disabled fans - and corporate privileges.

While Ferguson reportedly accepted the decision amicably, he is said to be disappointed over the staff layoffs, many of whom had worked under his management.

The club is under pressure to improve its performance on the pitch, with manager Erik ten Hag facing increased scrutiny following a series of poor results.