1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…
Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly intervened to ensure that the family of Manchester United legend Sir Matt Busby retained their seats at Old Trafford amid controversial changes among the INEOS hierarchy. Busby, a legendary figure at United who managed the club from 1945 to 1969 and won thirteen major trophies, died in 1994.
His family have since received free season tickets at Old Trafford. The transfer of ownership to INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in February led to a breakdown in communication about their tickets over the summer.
The Daily Mail reports that Ferguson felt compelled to contact new CEO Omar Berrada to ensure the Busby family kept their season tickets. He was successful, with United finding several seats in the same stand.
This move prevented INEOS from scoring a PR own goal, although they have done so several times this year. Ferguson himself is no stranger to the ruthless fringes of the new hierarchy, having lost his lucrative role as club ambassador in the restructuring Ratcliffe has implemented.
Billionaire Jim Ratcliffe took a tough stance on cost-cutting measures Manchester United after acquiring a significant stake in the club. The petrochemical magnate, who met with Alex Ferguson in October to convey the termination of his lucrative consultancy role, has remained steadfast in his decision to cut overheads following his purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in February for £ 1.3 billion.
Since his assertive takeover, he has wielded the ax at 250 positions and canceled the season’s festivities for staff, scrapping not only the Christmas party but also free tickets to May’s FA Cup final.
“Manchester United has become mediocre,” Ratcliffe declared in a blunt assessment he shared with fanzine United We Stand last week. “It’s supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions. If you avoid the difficult decisions, not much will change.”
This new regime led by Ratcliffe has not come without collateral damage. Reports highlight that Old Trafford stalwarts such as ex-chairman Martin Edwards, former CEO David Gill and veteran director Mike Edelson have now been excluded from the sanctity of the post-match dressing room.
Furthermore, club legends Norman Whiteside and Gordon Hill are none too happy about their move to the stadium to allow for an increase in the number of board seats – an issue which was further fueled when Denise Whiteside branded the club on social media in February ‘shame’ mocked and protested the treatment meted out to her husband, although the club has refuted such claims.
Ratcliffe faced backlash for raising ticket prices to £66, to which he replied: “We have to find a balance – and you can’t be popular all the time either,” adding: “This is what we’re talking about 3 percent of the tickets. I don’t think it makes sense for a Manchester United ticket costs less than a ticket to see Fulham.”
1000+ unique media and news posts every 24 hours…