However, if Pearce gets his way, Ferguson could see his wage packet reimbursed in a bizarre move that would see rivals Manchester City pick up the cost.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the ex-City manager said: “Wouldn’t it be good if the Manchester United squad said we’ll fund that money per season to keep Alex in post because he’s too important to this club?”

He added: “I got a little bit mischievous and thought, what if Manchester City players said, wouldn’t it be good if we chipped in and paid Alex Ferguson’s wages each year to keep him in place for what he’s done for that club across the road, that is going to inspire us on a weekly basis.

“It would be classy. You’ve sacked your best ever but we’ll fund him, it’s no problem.”

It’s a suggestion that’s unlikely to be taken up in East Manchester, given the on-pitch hostilities that exist between the two clubs.

But anger surrounding Ferguson’s contract termination has cut deep among those connected to United.

Former Red Devils star Eric Cantona reacted badly to the news, posting on Instagram: “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies.

“Such a lack of respect. It’s totally scandalous. Sir Alex Ferguson will be my boss forever! And I throw them all in a big bag of s***!”

One man who might welcome the chance to step out of Fergie’s shadow is current boss Erik ten Hag, who appears to have survived the international break amid calls for him to go.

Any reprieve is unlikely to last long if results and crucially performances don’t pick up though.

United return to action following the international break at home to Brentford on Saturday, before heading to Istanbul for a daunting clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League.