Alex Ferguson given new role at Man United and will have more influence on decisions

Ferguson will now have more influence at Old Trafford.

Alex Ferguson has been given a new role at Manchester United, according to reports. The legendary Scottish manager, who led the Red Devils to 13 Premier League titles, has reportedly not had an influence on the key decisions at his former club since retiring in 2013. Richard Arnold, Man United's new CEO, however, has opted to change course and wants Ferguson to have an input on the football decisions at the club.

Alex Ferguson given a new role at Man United.

Arnold has established a 'think-tank' of Man United figures so he can draw on their experience, according to The Daily Mail. The group includes Ferguson, David Gill, Man United's former CEO, Bryan Robson, the former club captain, and John Murtough, the current football director. Ferguson's last big call at the club was recommending David Moyes as his successor. The current West Ham United boss, however, was sacked before the end of his first season as United finished seventh in the Premier League. [caption id="attachment_268658" align="alignnone" width="640"] Alex Ferguson and David Gill.[/caption] Since then, the Scot, 80, has been a peripheral figure when it comes to decision-making at Man United. He had a position on the board as a non-executive director, a role that was largely symbolic. However, Arnold, unlike his predecessor Ed Woodward, reportedly wants to tap into the knowledge of Ferguson and Gill, who were the key football figures at Old Trafford until 2013. Ferguson is now expected to have more say at Old Trafford.

Ferguson and Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, according to reports, Ferguson briefly spoke with Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday at Carrington, Man United's training ground. The Portugal captain approached his former manager while his agent, Jorge Mendes, held talks with Arnold about the player's future at the club. Ferguson and Ronaldo, however, did not speak about the player's desire to leave the club. The former United manager was present to attend a previously-scheduled meeting, rather than try to convince Ronaldo to remain at the club.

---

Should Manchester United let Cristiano Ronaldo leave? Fans of the club have their say.