Paul Scholes blasts INEOS for 'disrespectful' decision to axe Sir Alex Ferguson as Man Utd legend explains why timing was 'poor'

Ferguson remains the most successful manager in the history of Manchester United, having won 38 trophies in 26 years. After retiring in 2013, he was named as a club ambassador. For more than ten years, the Scotsman was paid £2.16 million per year for fulfilling the role.

However, as part of a cost-cutting initiative, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS chose to terminate his contract last month, which has outraged supporters. It has also drawn criticism from legendary midfielder Scholes, who has labelled INEOS' decision as 'disrespectful'.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Scholes said: "I thought it was a little bit distasteful for what that man has done for the club.

"Almost a little bit disrespectful but they're new owners and new owners makes changes and they think what they're doing is best for the club. If they think they can save whatever money I know it's been talked about £2m, if they think they can use it elsewhere then so be it. This club owes a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson. It's where it is now mainly because of the success he had for so many years.

"The timing of it was poor because you think they're in a really bad run of form, could you have waited or done it before the season started, at the end of the season. The publicity wasn't great around but Sir Alex Ferguson will be fine he will go on and still be the best ambassador the club has had."

Reports claim the termination was completely cordial on both sides and that Ferguson, who will continue to hold his position as a non-executive director, is still on good terms with the club and will always be welcome at Old Trafford.