'Kidding themselves' - Sir Alex Ferguson exit splits opinion among Man United faithful

The news of Sir Alex Ferguson's departure from Manchester United has been met with a flurry of different opinions from the Reds faithful. The legendary United boss will depart his ambassadorial role at the end of the 2024-25 campaign having carried out duties for the club since retiring from the dugout.

The 83-year-old, who won just about all there is to win during his time at Old Trafford, will no longer be on the club's payroll as of next summer. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have made 250 staff redundant since becoming minority shareholders at the club in February earlier this year.

The Manchester Evening News understands the decision for Ferguson to depart was an amicable one and that he's welcome back at Old Trafford whenever he pleases. The former Reds boss took home £2.165million during his first eight months as a United ambassador and some supporters have been quick to reference that.

Here's what Manchester Evening News readers had to say after the news of Ferguson stepping down at the end of the season:

Pau1lvsUtd said: "For all I don't like INEOS this is the right thing to do, Sir Alex Ferguson's shadow is hanging over all the managers we have had since, same as Sir Matt. We can move on now as he wont have any influence over the squad, anyone saying he hasn't are kidding themselves, Ronaldo for one and picking Moyes as his successor was a disaster."

Gortonboy said: "Time to live in the present and not the past."

Daves commented: "It's scandalous that he's been on the payroll for this long. It's all part of the 'jobs for the boys' culture that has been so prevalent at the club over the years. Has anyone noticed that Ferguson has never once criticised the Glazers? I wonder why?"

1953 said: "He has done his stint.