It was revealed on Tuesday that Manchester United are set to remove Alex Ferguson from their payroll after almost 38 years of service from the legendary ex-manager.
The move is the latest cost-cutting move from Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS since taking sporting control of the club earlier this year.
Ferguson, the most successful manager in United's history, stepped down as boss 11 years ago after securing the club's 13th league title of the Premier League era (and of his time in charge). They have not won the title since his departure.
Since his retirement, Ferguson has served on the Manchester United board, with a 2014 release stating that he would receive over £2 million per annum for his services as an ambassador and club director.
Adam Crafton of The Athletic reported the news on Tuesday morning that that arrangement will come to an end at the end of this season.
The decision was reportedly communicated to Ferguson in a recent face-to-face meeting with Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford.
Though the move from INEOS is said to have been received amicably by the 82-year-old ex-United manager, it has not gone down well with one of his most celebrated footballing disciples.
Later on Tuesday, Eric Cantona took to Instagram to make his feelings clear on INEOS' decision to cut Ferguson loose.
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Eric Cantona slams Manchester United decision to axe Alex Ferguson
Frenchman Cantona shared a pointed message to his Instagram page after Tuesday's news broke about Alex Ferguson.
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Cantona shared a photo of himself and Ferguson at Old Trafford and said in the caption:
Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies. Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of shit!
No fear of mincing his words so.
Cantona is regularly heralded as one of the greatest signings - if not the greatest - in Premier League history, and credited with kick-starting the era of dominance Manchester United enjoyed under Alex Ferguson in the 1990s.
Arriving from Leeds in 1992, Cantona became a talisman for United during his five years at the club, captaining the side to the 1996 and 1997 Premier League titles.
Known as much for his bizarre outbursts off the pitch as for his brilliance (and chaotic antics) on it, Cantona's words are unlikely to make much impact on INEOS' decision-making.
His post has been liked by another ex-Manchester United player in Patrice Evra, and ex-Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.
It does not seem as though Alex Ferguson has much issue with Jim Ratcliffe's decision to end his annual remunerations, especially as he will continue to serve as a non-executive director and attend games in the directors' box.
It's clear, however, that the decision has not gone down well with one of his most prized ex-players.
