Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd for Celtic clash as fans pick sides after Ratcliffe call

Sir Alex Ferguson watched Celtic vs Aberdeen as Man Utd hosted Brentford (Image: Getty)

Manchester United supporters expressed their support for iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson during their clash with Brentford at Old Trafford.

In a week that saw news break of Ratcliffe and United planning to terminate Ferguson's lucrative ambassadorial deal, the legendary manager was notably absent from Old Trafford today.

The affection for Ferguson among the United faithful was unmistakable as chants of "Every single one of us, loves Alex Ferguson" resonated through the stadium in the first half, signalling a clear message to Ratcliffe following the developments during the week.

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Sir Alex instead chose to watch Celtic vs Aberdeen game at Parkhead in Glasgow, rather than United's clash vs Brentford.

Stuart Pearce, the ex-England defender, earlier in the week urged United players to foot the bill for Ferguson's ambassadorial role. "Wouldn't it be good if the United squad said we'll fund that money per season to keep Alex in post because he's too important to this club?" Pearce told talkSPORT.

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Under Ferguson's stewardship, Manchester United clinched 13 Premier League titles, with the last triumph coming in 2013 before he retired. Since then, the club have endured a period of mediocrity.

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Before their clash with Brentford, United were languishing in the lower reaches of the league, having failed to net a goal in three consecutive matches. Erik ten Hag, who led the team to an eighth-place finish previously, is feeling the heat following a disappointing start to the new season.

Ten Hag has candidly discussed the immense difficulty in emulating Ferguson's achievements but also highlighted his silverware success. "At the moment, we can't match the standards he set, but still we have won trophies," the ex-Ajax manager said.

"We didn't, so far, get to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League titles, but that's the ambition and the expectation, but still we've managed to win some trophies. I don't think in terms of how many years you need. I want to win every game and I want to make every season a success, with trophies and with titles.

"I think about this and about how I have to win every game and how we, as a team, have to match the standards to win every game - then you get there, to where you have to be. Those are the expectations that Sir Alex set for this club."

Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd for Celtic clash as fans pick sides after Ratcliffe call

Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd for Celtic clash as fans pick sides after Ratcliffe call

Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd for Celtic clash as fans pick sides after Ratcliffe call

Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd for Celtic clash as fans pick sides after Ratcliffe call

Sir Alex Ferguson misses Man Utd for Celtic clash as fans pick sides after Ratcliffe call