Manchester United’s recent decision to part ways with their manager Ruben Amorim is set to have significant financial repercussions for the club. The Premier League giants may face a hefty bill approaching £16 million ($22 million) as a direct consequence of terminating Amorim’s contract. This development was revealed through the club’s latest financial disclosures, shedding light on the costly aftermath of the Portuguese coach’s turbulent spell at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United lasted just over a year, spanning 14 months marked by controversy and underwhelming results. His departure on January 5 followed a highly publicized fallout with the club’s leadership, which culminated in a public criticism of the hierarchy. Alongside Amorim, his entire coaching team also exited the club, signaling a dramatic shift in the club’s management structure. Such upheaval inevitably comes with financial consequences, as detailed in the club’s recent filing with the New York Stock Exchange.
The filing, submitted on Thursday, outlined the potential financial liabilities linked to Amorim’s dismissal. It described the situation as an “event that occurred after the reporting period,” highlighting a charge of £6.3 million related to the write-off of intangible assets. Additionally, the club has set aside a provision of £15.9 million, which represents the maximum possible payout for future settlement payments to Amorim and his staff. This figure is contingent on various factors, including whether Amorim secures new employment within a specified timeframe.
It is important to note that these payments are part of a broader financial picture involving Amorim’s initial hiring. Manchester United had previously compensated Sporting Lisbon with £6.3 million as part of the agreement to bring Amorim on board. This payment was confirmed in the club’s accounts, reflecting the compensation owed to Sporting for releasing the Portuguese manager from his contract. Furthermore, an earlier filing from November 2024 revealed that United paid Sporting an additional £10 million to secure Amorim’s services, following the departure of former manager Erik ten Hag, whose exit itself cost the club £10.4 million in compensation.
When all these costs are combined, the total financial impact of Amorim’s appointment and subsequent dismissal could reach a staggering £37.3 million. This figure encompasses the initial hiring fees, severance payments, and related expenses, underscoring the high price Manchester United has paid amid a period of managerial instability.
On the sporting front, Amorim’s record at Old Trafford was far from impressive. Over the course of 63 matches, he managed to secure only 25 victories. The club’s performance under his leadership culminated in a 15th-place finish in the Premier League, marking Manchester United’s poorest league standing since their relegation in the 1973/74 season. At the time of his dismissal, United were positioned sixth in the league, but internal tensions had reportedly escalated, including a significant dispute with director of football Jason Wilcox just days before their final match under Amorim’s management against Leeds United.
Since Amorim’s exit, caretaker manager Michael Carrick has overseen a notable turnaround in form. Under Carrick’s guidance, Manchester United have climbed to fourth place in the Premier League, achieving five wins and one draw in recent matches. This resurgence has reignited hopes among fans and club officials alike that United can secure a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, restoring some optimism after a challenging period.
