Manchester United icon Gary Neville has intervened to generate funds for the club`s past players after Sir Jim Ratcliffe halted financial support.
As part of significant cost reductions, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new part-owner, eliminated the club`s annual £40,000 contribution to a fund for former players.
The Association of Former Manchester United Players, established in 1985, aims to foster camaraderie, provide assistance, and engage in charity work.
Many of its over 300 members played before the era of today`s massive player salaries.
In a recent interview, football commentator Neville questioned Sir Jim about cutting the funding, stating that the £40,000 cut affected players from the 1960s and 70s, not the more recent stars. He suggested raising the money through a dinner event instead and criticized the decision as harsh.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe acknowledged that this fundraising approach hadn`t been proposed.
Neville has now collaborated with Man Utd to organize a fundraising event honoring former striker Andy Cole, with proceeds benefiting the Association of Former Manchester United Players.
The event, priced at £125 per ticket and scheduled for April 24th, will be attended by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Jim Elms, an 84-year-old trustee of the Association, expressed his gratitude, stating that Gary Neville contacted him to offer to organize a Q&A session, which they greatly appreciate.
A source inside Manchester United stated that the club values its relationship with the former players` association and intends to maintain it.
