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INEOS taking over the sporting structure at Manchester United led to a raft of behind-the-scenes changes at Old Trafford.
As well as employing a best-in-class team to support the manager, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has studied the books and made some ruthless cuts to high-profile names in certain roles at the club.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial position was one casualty of Ratcliffe’s tightening of the purse strings and it seems he will continue to be keeping a close eye on such roles in the future.
As reported by The Express, club legend Wayne Rooney is not expected to be offered a similar role to Ferguson despite it being promised to him a decade ago.
As part of Rooney’s contract signed back in 2014, an ambassadorial position was agreed should he end his career at the club.
However, Rooney’s move to Everton in 2017 meant United were no longer contractually obligated to offer such the same role but it was expected the club would stick to their word, given his status at the Theatre of Dreams.
But, INEOS are said to be moving away from ambassadorial roles which means United’s record scorer will not be entertained for a behind-the-scenes position, should he want it.
Rooney is currently managing Championship side Plymouth Argyle so he wouldn’t be in a position to join United in any capacity right now but may have had his eye on it in the future.
INEOS were reportedly shocked at the United accounts and in particularly the money spent on roles that were not directly affecting on-the-field outcomes.
Sir Alex Ferguson was apparently earning over £2 million-a-year from the club since retiring in 2013 and INEOS are keen to ensure all funds are focused on arresting the team’s slide from the top of the English game.
United haven’t been close to winning a Premier League title since Sir Alex retired and INEOS are now charged with returning the club to former glories.
Such decisions certainly show the new minority owners mean business and it seems no one will be onboarded in an official capacity at United unless they are helping to drive the club forward on the pitch.