SIR ALEX FERGUSON believes Manchester United is set up to regain its family club status again.
Ferguson was renowned for fostering a family club culture at United during his 26-and-a-half year reign but the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as co-owner has led to two rounds of redundancies.
United’s workforce has been slashed by a third after 650 former staff members left the club within the last 18 months.
But sources say Ferguson believes the new £50million centre at United’s Carrington training complex is geared up for a more harmonious atmosphere.
The 83-year-old is impressed by the open-plan design that ensures colleagues work closer together.
Ferguson has also encouraged a workplace environment where everybody knows each other’s name.
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Ratcliffe, 73, has been accused of running United purely as a business, with ticket prices hiked midway through last season and time-served season ticket holders relocated to accommodate more executive seating.
The British billionaire was conspicuous by his absence for the funerals of former United receptionist Kath Phipps, who worked for the club for 56 years, and club legend Denis Law at the start of the year.
Ferguson is no longer an ambassador for United after Ratcliffe ended his £2million-a-year arrangement since he retired as manager in 2013.
The Scot is still a regular at United games and said last week he is “enjoying” watching United again.
“The manager’s had some good signs, particularly the goalkeeper,” Ferguson said “He’s been outstanding.
“He’s only played three or four games, and he’s looking really good.
“And the boy (Bryan) Mbeumo and (Matheus) Cunha, the players from Wolves and Brentford, they’ve added to it.
“I hope the manager gets a bit of success because at United you need to have success and there are signs they are getting better.”
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