Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted in the stands at Old Trafford yesterday to watch his former side beat Leicester City 5-2 in the Carabao Cup.
Fergie recently had his multi-million-pound ambassadorial contract at United terminated by new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as part of a cost-cutting exercise. The Scot signed the seven-figure deal to represent the club after he retired in 2013.
It was reported to be an amicable divorce though with the 82-year-old still showing his support for United in the stands during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge as interim manager.
And Sir Alex was in attendance for the Dutchman’s first game in charge – where he was spotted chatting with cricket legend Michael Vaughan during the game.
The 50-year-old captained England to an Ashes victory in 2005 and his presence at Old Trafford was surprising given he is a Sheffield Wednesday supporter.
(Image: Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)
Supporters were quick to react on social media, with one questioning: “”Why is Michael Vaughan sitting next to SAF,” and another posting “Poor Sir Alex having to watch the game with Michael Vaughan in his ear.”
The pair looked in good spirits and an entertaining encounter gave them a lot to talk about with seven goals scored – a sensational effort from United midfielder Casemiro the pick of the bunch.
Fergie’s attendance shows that there’s no bad blood between him and the new hierarchy, and he remains a non-executive director on the board despite his sacking as an ambassador.
Sir Alex has become used to cheering on a new face since leaving the role, with the Red Devils having five permanent managers in the last eleven years. He’s often sat in the director’s box alongside former pros and fellow club legends, but the man keeping him company this time shocked fans.