Ferdinand has conspiracy theory about Man Utd’s ruthless ‘axing’ of Ferguson

RIO FERDINAND has hinted that Manchester United could be sending a message with their decision to slash Sir Alex Ferguson off their wage bill.

It was revealed today that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was being "axed" from the United wage bill having previously held an ambassadorial role with the club.

The decision, believed to be fuelled by Ineos' new cost-cutting measures, saw the 13-time Premier League winning manager lose his £2.16MILLION-PER-YEAR salary with the Manchester giants.

That hefty pay packet is understood to be more than what FIVE United first team players currently earn - including England international Kobbie Mainoo.

However, many fans and pundits think that Ferguson's ambassadorial salary was justifiable given his impact on the club during his 26-year stint in the dugout.

And former Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand - who won six Premier League titles under Ferguson - has suggested that his former gaffer's status could be one of the motivating factors behind taking him off the payroll.

Hinting that the decision to "axe" a name like Fergie could send a message to everyone at Man Utd that nobody is safe under the new regime.

Taking to social media, Ferdinand wrote: "If Sir Alex can be taken out, then NO ONE IS SAFE at Man Utd - anyone can get it now.

"Ineos sending a message to ANYONE at the club?!?"

Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, will not receive payments from the club beyond the end of the season.

But the Scot will still continue to be employed as a non-executive director - and he will always be welcome at matches.

The decision was understood to have been amicably accepted.

Ineos have embarked upon a thorough financial review after taking a 27.7 per cent stake in the club in February, and Ferguson is just one of many cost-cutting measures taken by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team.

Last month, it was revealed that Man Utd would be letting go of 250 employees at the club.

While Ineos' methods have also seen private chauffeurs and company credit cards axed.

Staff and the players' Wags even had to pay for their own transport to the FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City in May.

And other perks like lunch, accommodation, extra tickets and a post-match party were also scrapped.

Reports even suggest there will be no Christmas party this year.

The cost-cutting measures come amid news that United's losses over the last five years have totalled more than £370m.