Ferguson is given more influence at Old Trafford
SIR AlEX FERGUSoN is back on board at Manchester United after the club’s chief executive Richard Arnold turned to the legendary old Trafford boss for advice. Arnold has set up a think-tank involving Ferguson, former chief executive David Gill, iconic United captain Bryan Robson and current football director John Murtough so he can draw on their experience on all aspects of the club. It will give Ferguson more influence than at any time since he stepped down as manager nearly a decade ago. Tuesday’s gathering at Carrington — which coincided with Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the training ground for talks on his future — is understood to be the first in a series of regular meetings involving the five men. Although Ferguson and Gill have remained on the football board as non-executive directors since leaving in 2013, it’s been seen as a largely symbolic gesture with ex-United chief executive Ed Woodward choosing to do things his way. Sportsmail revealed in November that Ferguson would welcome the opportunity to have more input. Now 80, and having recovered from a lifethreatening brain haemorrhage in 2018, he can no longer play an active role at the club. But Arnold, who succeeded Woodward in February, has recognised the importance of tapping into his vast knowledge, having lifted 38 trophies during his 26-and-a-half years in charge. Gill played a key part in that success during his 16-year spell at United but he, too, has been a peripheral figure in recent years. Robson is revered as a United legend and also works as an ambassador for the club. It’s understood the three men will advise Arnold on a wide range of issues, including the redevelopment of old Trafford and Carrington, and the club’s relationship with its fans. It will involve football matters as well, although they will be careful not to tread on Murtough’s toes. Ferguson spoke to Ronaldo when the player and his agent Jorge Mendes held talks with Arnold on Tuesday, but it’s understood to have been a brief chat when the player approached his old boss.