Rio Ferdinand sends stark four-word warning to Manchester United squad after shock decision to axe Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2.16m ambassador contract 

Rio Ferdinand believes that Ineos are ‘sending a message’ to every at Manchester United following their decision to end Sir Alex Ferguson’s lucrative ambassadorial contract. 

Ferguson became a global club ambassador and club director after stepping down as manager in 2013 after a 26-year reign. He reportedly received £2.16million-a-year to serve as a global ambassador for the club in an agreement which has continued for over a decade.

However, according to The Athletic, this agreement is set to end following a face-to-face meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, minority owner of the Red Devils. 

The move comes as part of a cost-cutting driver by Ratcliffe since Ineos took over football operations at the Premier League giants.

Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, believes that the move proves that ‘no one is safe’ at the club. 

The legendary Scottish manager received more than 2million per year from the club following his retirement in 2013

Sir Jim Ratcliffe informed Ferguson in a face-to-face meeting that the club could no longer continue with the payments

‘If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at [Man United] – anyone can get it now. Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?’ He wrote on X. 

The ending of the agreement was claimed to have been dealt with amicably, with Ferguson remaining as a non-executive director and welcome to attend matches. 

Ferguson had been pictured with Man United’s hierarchy at the club’s last Premier League match before the international break against Aston Villa.

Ratcliffe was in attendance for the 0-0 draw, which came ahead of a scheduled board meeting last week. Ratcliffe and his Ineos team embarked upon a root-and-branch financial review after taking a quarter stake in the club earlier this year.

Mail Sport revealed this led to them making around 250 redundancies.

The club have strived to create a leaner business and ensure that the club maximises the amount it can spend on its playing squad.

The decision to axe Ferguson’s role was met with criticism by a large portion of the club’s fanbase on social media, many of whom voiced their displeasure. Some supporters were also quick to draw meaning into Ferdinand’s post. 

Some United fans believe that Ferdinand’s comments provide a warning to under-fire boss Erik ten Hag

Several believe that the former defender was making reference to embattled Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, who has admirably weathered a media storm following his side’s poor start to the season. 

The Dutchman looks set to lead his side into this weekend’s Premier League clash against Brentford before they travel to Istanbul to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. 

United then have a couple more tricky league fixtures against West Ham and Chelsea before the next international break in November.