Ruben Amorim's Massive Man Utd Payout Sparks Controversy—Here's Why It Could Backfire
Manchester United have allocated up to $21.5 million (£15.9 million) in potential payouts to Ruben Amorim following his dismissal early this year, according to club statements.
The Red Devils spent approximately £10 million to release Amorim and his coaching team from their contracts in a turbulent beginning to 2026, and recent financial documents reveal this amount may increase further, as final negotiations with Amorim remain ongoing.
The Guardian indicates that elements like Amorim's employment status within a specified timeframe will influence the settlement, making the Portuguese coach's exit significantly more expensive than originally anticipated.
United Still Haunted by Erik ten Hag Exit
United Still Haunted by Erik ten Hag Exit
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have faced considerable challenges leading United's executive team, with securing a permanent manager proving particularly problematic.
They appeared committed to previous manager Erik ten Hag when they concluded their assessment of his role with a fresh two-year deal in July 2024, only to dismiss him months later at a £10.4 million expense.
Amorim followed as United chose to invest £11 million to secure his release from Sporting CP, but they will now surpass that amount by terminating the Portuguese manager's contract merely 14 months after Ten Hag's departure in October 2024.
This means United's Amorim venture may ultimately cost the club up to £26.9 million—a figure excluding salaries and other operational costs. Combined with Ten Hag's compensation package, INEOS has now reached £37.3 million solely on managerial appointments and dismissals.
Deal | Cost |
|---|---|
Sacking Ten Hag | £10.4 million |
Hiring Amorim From Sporting CP | £11 million |
Sacking Amorim | Up to £15.9 million |
Costs Could Impact United's New Manager Search
Costs Could Impact United's New Manager Search
Although these amounts pale compared to typical player transfer expenditures, they represent substantial costs that cannot persist—especially at a club that eliminated numerous positions through disputed budget reduction initiatives.
Unlike players, managers rarely become transferable assets at the highest level. Elite coaches don't move between clubs frequently, typically departing only when terminated or choosing to resign. Clubs can sell underperforming players, but there's no market for struggling managers.
The potential £26.9 million invested in Amorim is lost and can only be recouped through alternative methods, and securing funds for another substantial compensation payment won't be straightforward for United, who might favor pursuing an unemployed manager this summer.
Luckily for the Red Devils, several options exist. Long-pursued target Roberto De Zerbi is free after departing Marseille, while Oliver Glasner will leave Crystal Palace and Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT deal expires post-World Cup. Michael Carrick, currently excelling as interim manager at Old Trafford, remains an option.
By eliminating compensation costs, United could redirect those funds toward player acquisitions, with every pound potentially vital before a summer that might feature a rebuild exceeding £200 million if United secure all their preferred targets.