Sir Alex Ferguson’s trusted ally blasts Man Utd for ‘encouraging negativity’ with PR mistake

by | Nov 24, 2024 | Blog

Rene Meulensteen believes former employers Manchester United should have issued a statement explaining why they were axing club legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract when they made the surprise call in October Rene Meulensteen believes former employers Manchester United should have issued a statement explaining why they were axing club legend Sir Alex Ferguson’s ambassadorial contract when they made the surprise call in October

Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen has hit out at Manchester United for the way they handled the termination of the Old Trafford icon’s ambassadorial contract.

The 82-year-old will step down from his £2.16million-a-year role at the end of the season after being axed by INEOS in mid-October as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ruthless cost-cutting measures.

And Meulensteen, who operated as Ferguson’s first-team coach between 2007 and 2013, thinks United should have at least issued a statement explaining the decision to prevent the “negativity” that has followed.

Meulensteen told Egyptian news channel Al Qahera: “I find it surprising that Ferguson’s contract as an ambassador has been terminated, given his history. However, I understand that this was discussed between the club and Sir Alex.

“It would have been wise for the club to issue a statement on the reasons so that it was clear to everyone.

“It would also have stopped any negative speculation and publicity surrounding this decision.

“As far as I know, he is still a member of the board and therefore still important to the club. In my opinion, it is essential to honour the contributions of such a pivotal figure in the club’s history.”

Meulensteen also offered his assessment of United’s appointment of Ruben Amorim, who leads his first match on Sunday away to Ipswich in the Premier League.

Rene Meulensteen (right) helped Manchester United win four Premier League titles during his time working with Sir Alex Ferguson (left)
(

Image:

John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

The 60-year-old said of the Portuguese: “Amorim emerged as a promising coach at Sporting Lisbon, but whether or not he is the right fit for Manchester United will depend on his ability to adapt to the pressures of the Premier League. His tactical approach may be refreshing, but experience at a club of United’s stature is crucial.”

Amorim is the sixth permanent United boss since Ferguson retired back in 2013 after guiding the Red Devils to their last Premier League title.

Meulensteen feels the decision to sack Erik ten Hag was warranted, however, concluding: “In my opinion, Ten Hag faced significant challenges, including squad depth and injuries, and while he showed tactical intelligence, a lack of performance and inconsistent results hampered his success.

“The first season showed promise but he was never able to build a cohesive team during his second season. Despite winning the FA Cup, he was unable to improve the team during this season and the poor start in the league and Europe made the club decide to sack him.”

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Mirror – Sport

Atléti mark Simeone’s 700th game with late win

by | Nov 24, 2024 | Blog

Atléti mark Simeone’s 700th game with late win

Diego Simeone’s 700th game in charge of Atletico Madrid ended in a late 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga after Alexander Sorloth rescued the home side with an 86th-minute winner at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday. Diego Simeone’s 700th game in charge of Atletico Madrid ended in a late 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga after Alexander Sorloth rescued the home side with an 86th-minute winner at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday.

ByReuters

Diego Simeone’s 700th game in charge of Atlético Madrid ended in a late 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga after Alexander Sørloth rescued the home side with an 86th-minute winner at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday.

Alaves took an early lead from the penalty spot but Antoine Griezmann equalised in the 76th minute with a spot kick of their own before second-half substitute Sørloth bagged his fifth goal of the season to seal all three points.

Atlético provisionally moved up to second in LaLiga, four points behind leaders Barcelona who have two games in hand, while Alaves dropped to 16th.

“It’s an incredible amount, 700 games. Congratulations to him. The result is for him and the supporters,” Simeone’ son Giuliano, who livened things up in the second half and earned the man-of-the-match award, said.

“Alaves came here to compete and they fought hard, they made it difficult for us. That’s the way they are, that’s how they always play.

“I’m happy for what I was able to do when I came on but what’s more important is that we won the game.”

Atlético found themselves on the backfoot in the seventh minute when Javi Galan conceded a penalty with a handball when he had his arm raised to block a cross and Jon Guridi made no mistake from the spot when he sent Jan Oblak the wrong way.

The Metropolitano crowd fell silent after going 1-0 down but they found their voice when Griezmann set up Samuel Lino, who saw his shot smash into the crossbar before the visitors cleared the ball.

As Alaves stood firm in defence, a few boos and whistles could be heard as Atletico failed to make better use of their possession and played wasteful passes in the final third while Antonio Sivera was alert to danger and made several saves.

Simeone made two halftime substitutions with Giuliano and Sorloth coming on while Julian Alvarez was introduced at the hour mark, but Alaves’ disciplined defence kept the home side at bay.

Giuliano galvanised their attack and he seemed to be everywhere, popping up on both flanks, and he nearly scored an equaliser from a counter-attack when he raced through on goal, only to see his shot saved by the outstretched leg of Sivera.

Atletico received a lifeline in the 74th minute when Sorloth’s header hit the arm of defender Abdel Abqar to earn a penalty and although Sivera dived in the right direction, Griezmann’s spot kick found the back of the net.

With a draw on the cards, Rodrigo De Paul spotted Sørloth making a run in behind and the Norwegian’s thunderous strike squeezed in at the near post to give Atlético the win.

“We’re very sad, we played very well in the first half and started well in the second. We knew we’d be under constant pressure and the penalty hurt us,” Alaves defender Nahuel Tenaglia said.

“We just have to turn the page and put this result behind us.”

www.espn.com – SOCCER