Man United news: New Sir Alex Ferguson behind-the-scenes role revealed – sources
Sir Alex Ferguson has far greater influence at Man United since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over football operations, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that the United legend firmly has the ear now of Ratcliffe, who has offered Ferguson considerably more say on the club’s football operations than the Glazers.
Ferguson has frequently been pictured alongside Ratcliffe, who took over football duties from the Glazers when he bought 27.7 per cent of the club, in the director’s box at Old Trafford.
Since retiring in 2013, United’s longest-serving manager has been a director of United’s football board as well as a club ambassador.
However, he has not pushed for, or been given, a big say in the key football decisions made by the club over the subsequent decade.
Now, sweeping changes are expected at the club following Ratcliffe’s arrival, including in transfer policy and senior management roles.
Man United give Sir Alex Ferguson more influence
This means Ferguson is having a major influence on key appointments, including a potential change of manager.
The 82-year-old has already made his presence known to Man United chiefs, with Football Insider revealing (10 March) that he is pushing strongly for the club to appoint Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman as their new head of recruitment.
The Red Devils are also set to appoint Dan Ashworth as their sporting director but are still in talks with Newcastle United to sort a compensation fee to end his gardening leave.
Manager Erik ten Hag’s position in the dugout remains up in the air, with Football Insider revealing last month (16 February) that he is not seen as a long-term option by the United hierarchy.
Ferguson, the most successful manager in United’s history, is expected to be consulted by the likes of Ratcliffe before they make a decision on ten Hag’s future or appoint a new coach.
Man United sit sixth in the Premier League table following their 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday (9 March).
They are next set to face Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon (17 March).
In other news, Kieran Maguire: Liverpool set to match Man United as £15m summer deal agreed.
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