Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly earning £235,000-a-week – despite retiring as Manchester United manager nearly nine years ago.
The iconic coach, 80, is said to be receiving the six-figure weekly sum from investments, a book deal, public appearances and his ambassador role at Old Trafford. It’s believed he earns £2million a year from United for working around 20 days.
Ferguson called time on his managerial career in May 2013 after winning dozens of trophies with Aberdeen and United. His honours include 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, two Cup Winners’ Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and 15 domestic cups.
According to The Sun, the combined value of Ferguson’s personal companies has risen to £40m – earning £12.2m last year alone. It’s also claimed the latest figures from ACF Sports Promotions – the company Ferguson uses for his commercial pay – show the value of his assets increased from £17.5m to £26m in 2021.
Ferguson is thought to have assets worth £39.2m registered at Companies House, an increase of £27m from the previous year. He’s also seen his assets in three other businesses increase from £3.7m to £13.2m. Furthermore, one of his autobiographies has reportedly sold more than a million copies and he pockets up to £100,000 for motivational talks.
Since Ferguson’s retirement, United have struggled. They’ve won just three major trophies – failing to lift the Premier League and Champions League – and are on course to finish outside of the top four this season under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
Sir Alex Ferguson is still earning a big salary in retirement ( Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
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“It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so,” said Ferguson on retirement.
“The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level whilst the structure of the youth set-up will ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one.”
Ferguson first announced his retirement in the summer of 2001 – saying the following campaign would be his last – before changing his mind. He went on to win another six Premier League titles, the Champions League and other trophies after that decision.
“The biggest mistake I made was announcing it at the start of the season,” said the Scot in 2016. “I think a lot of them had put their tools away… but when I changed my mind in the January, I started thinking about United again and how we could get back on top.”
United are closing in on appointing Erik ten Hag as their new manager. The club’s hierarchy have held talks with the Ajax boss and discussed his release clause, which is believed to £1.67m. No announcement is expected until Ten Hag’s backroom staff are identified.
When asked about the job, Ten Hag said: “Man Utd is a great club with great fans. My focus is currently only on Ajax but, in football, you never know. If, at some point, I should decide to take the next step, I hope that people here will understand.”
