Sir Alex Ferguson enjoys the love of Manchester United fans more than an ambassadorial role with the club, Jose Mourinho said following his dismissal.

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• United rip up Ferguson's contract
• INEOS criticised for the decision
• Mourinho discussed their relationship

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After retiring from management in 2013, the legendary manager stepped into a global ambassador position with United, but part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided to terminate his contract, worth around £2 million per year. Mourinho came up against Ferguson 16 times across the Portuguese coach's spells at Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid – losing only three – before taking over as United coach in 2016.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following the news of his former foe's exit from Old Trafford, Mourinho said that Ferguson boasts something much more important than a job title as the Fenerbahce coach discussed his relationship with the 82-year-old.

• WHAT MOURINHO SAID

  "My relationship with Alex was amazing and incredible, when my Netflix documentary comes out, you'll know more about the reason why I have so much respect for him," he told reporters. "The ambassadorial role, I don't know in depth the situation, but it doesn't matter why, it doesn't matter what, Sir Alex has the most important thing of all, the love and respect of every Manchester United fan around the world. More important than any role, or a few pounds he doesn't need… The most important thing is the love and respect every fan has for him."

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

  Mourinho will come up against his former side when Fenerbahce host the Red Devils in the Europa League on Thursday. United have two points from two matches in the European competition, while Fenerbahce are two points better off.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News