Jose Mourinho Addresses Man United’s Decision to End Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2.16m Ambassadorial Contract

Jose Mourinho has weighed in on Manchester United’s decision to terminate Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2.16 million ambassadorial contract.

Ferguson will conclude his lucrative role at the end of the season after new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to end his contract as part of a cost-cutting initiative.

Mourinho was asked about this decision while preparing to face United as the Fenerbahce boss in Thursday night’s Europa League match in Istanbul.

‘My relationship with Sir Alex was amazing, incredible,’ said Mourinho. ‘When my Netflix documentary comes out, you will know more about the reason why I have so much respect for him.

‘The ambassadorial role, I really don’t know that situation. It doesn’t matter why, it doesn’t matter what, Sir Alex has the most important thing: the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world. That is more important than the role or a few pounds he can make.’

On the situation at United since he left in December 2018, Mourinho added: ‘Honestly, I didn’t lose one minute thinking about it. I wish the best to Man United since the moment I left.

‘I left with a good feeling to the club, with a good feeling to the fans and I want the best for them. So if things are not going amazingly well for them, it’s not something that makes me happy. But at the same time I have no time and it doesn’t make sense for me to be thinking about what happened or what didn’t happen.’

Ferguson became a global ambassador for Manchester United after stepping down from coaching in 2013. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s company has opted to sever the former manager’s ties with the club.

The agreement, valued at over £2 million per year and in place since October 2013, was terminated by Ineos as part of efforts to reduce the club’s costs.