Just days after Sir Alex Ferguson was a casualty of Manchester United’s cost-cutting, a familiar face has popped up in an ambassadorial role for the club.
Ferguson was on a £2million-a-year deal as a club ambassador for the Red Devils since he retired as manager in 2013.
But he will now solely be a non-executive director on the Red Devils’ ceremonial ‘football board’ as minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to reduce the club’s expenditure.
Yet it appears one of Ferguson’s most loyal servants during his lengthy reign at Old Trafford has taken up the mantle of representing the club abroad.
Former skipper Gary Neville appeared as an ambassador for the 20-time English champions at an event in India.
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Neville was in attendance at an Apollo Tyres grassroots football programme in Mohali and spoke on a three-person panel.
The eight-time Premier League winner also interacted with several young footballers.
Although the 49-year-old retired in 2009, he remains heavily involved with his old club.
Neville is a member of the Red Devils’ taskforce that will look into regenerating the Old Trafford area, including the prospect of building a new stadium.
The taskforce is chaired by British Olympic hero Sebastian Coe and includes Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, Duncan Drasdo, the CEO of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, as well as Sara Todd, the chief executive of Trafford Council.
Upon being appointed to the taskforce, Neville believed the club was at a crucial juncture when it came to improving its infrastructure.
“I’m incredibly fortunate to have had the privilege of playing hundreds of games at Old Trafford, and no one can take away those amazing memories,” Neville said.
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“But Old Trafford has evolved throughout its history and it’s clear we are at a point where it has to change again to ensure that Manchester United has a world-class stadium befitting the world’s greatest club.
“While I want the best for Manchester United, I also want the same for the surrounding community.
“Old Trafford should be a stadium that the whole of Greater Manchester can take pride in, and be a catalyst for sustainable, cohesive growth in an area of the city that has been neglected for too long.”
Neville’s international ambassador role for United is the latest on his ever-growing plate of duties.
Along with his seat on United’s stadium taskforce, he is a co-owner of League Two side Salford City and a regular pundit for Sky Sports.
Neville also dabbled in a management career but lasted only three months in charge of LaLiga side Valencia and has not managed since.
