Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped in to stop Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS making what could have been another costly blunder at Old Trafford.
Ferguson stood down as United manager in 2013 with Ratcliffe making the decision in October to end his ambassadorial contract with the club as part of further cost-cutting measures.
It has now been revealed the Scot intervened to make sure the family of another legendary United boss in Sir Matt Busby kept their privileges at Old Trafford.
Busby managed United for 24 years, building the side that was tragically lost to the Munich Air Disaster before leading the club to European success a decade later.
Busby passed away in 1994 but his family have since received complimentary tickets in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, next to the directors’ box with access to a lounge.
The Daily Mail report those seats were moved to a different part of the stand in the summer with the Busby family left concerned over the lack of communication from the club.
Ferguson however is said to have taken the matter to United’s chief executive Omar Berrada and chief operating officer Collette Roche.
They were subsequently given access to the directors’ bar again.
While sources have claimed there was never any intention to take privileges from the Busby family, an insider told the publication: ‘There are two things you don’t touch at United – one is Fergie and the other is the Busbys.’
INEOS completed their minority takeover at United in February and there have been concerns over the attitude towards United’s long-standing traditions.
Cost-cutting measures have also proved divisive with over 250 staff made redundant with club expenses across the board cut.
In a latest measure, club staff have seen their £100 Christmas bonus replaced by a £40 Marks and Spencer voucher, the Mail claim.
‘It’s worse now,’ one member of staff said with another adding: ‘At least the Glazers prioritised families.’
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