Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken out for the first time about the Red Devils' decision to axe Sir Alex Ferguson from his role at the club.
Since his retirement in 2013, Ferguson has been earning an annual salary of £2.16m for his position as a club ambassador.
However, INEOS and the new majority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, recently ended that agreement as part of cost-cutting measures.
The 82-year-old will continue to serve as a non-executive board member for the Red Devils and will remain welcome at matches in future.
While Ferguson will miss United's match against Brentford due to a prior obligation, it remains to be seen how often he will visit the club where he secured 38 titles over 26 years.
© Imago
Ten Hag lifts lid on Ferguson axing
Speaking to the media for the first time since the club's decision to end Ferguson's role, Ten Hag admitted that the removal of Scot has affected both the team and himself.
He said: "Of course it has an impact on us. He built United to where the club is now, and it impacts us.
"But on the other side, we know and Sir Alex knows, that is what he wants. He wants to see a winning Manchester United and I'm sure he's always available for advice.
"We will need him, definitely, in the short-term, as we did in the last two-and-a-half years that I've been here.
"One thing for sure is that there's almost no club in the world where expectations are as high as at Man United. That is set from the era of Sir Alex, and the rest of us who come after have to deal with this," Ten Hag added.
It is understood that senior figures at the club held discussions about the situation during a six-hour board meeting in London earlier this week.
© Imago
Ferguson's impact on Man United
Ferguson's remarkable 26-year tenure as manager of the Red Devils concluded in 2013 when he stepped down and retired from football management.
The legendary Scotsman became the most successful manager in football history during his time at Old Trafford, securing an incredible 13 Premier League titles and winning the Champions League twice.
Since his retirement, the Red Devils have experienced a dramatic decline, and they now find themselves in 14th place in the league standings, just five points above the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's clash with Brentford.
Ferguson's final act as United manager was lifting the Premier League title in May 2013, although he had made the decision to step down the previous Christmas.
Devesh Jaganath
