Manchester United has confirmed that the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim could cost the club nearly £16 million, bringing the total expense of their last two managerial changes to approximately £37.3 million.
The financial details were revealed in a filing to the New York Stock Exchange, published alongside the club’s second-quarter financial results to 31 December 2025. Although United reported a profit of £32.6 million for the quarter, the cost of managerial upheaval has significantly offset that stability.
Breakdown of the Costs
Amorim, who was sacked on 5 January this year following a public criticism of the club’s hierarchy after a 1–1 draw with Leeds, is expected to receive up to £15.9 million in compensation along with his coaching staff. In addition, £6.3 million of the fee United paid to secure him from Sporting in November 2024 has been written off.
The club had originally paid £11 million to Sporting to appoint Amorim as successor to Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag’s departure itself cost United £10.4 million. Combined, the managerial changes linked to Amorim amount to £37.3 million.
Sources indicate the final payout figure may depend on Amorim’s future employment situation, though the filing does not specify exact triggers for the maximum liability.
Short-Lived Tenure at Old Trafford
Amorim’s 14-month spell was one of the shortest permanent managerial reigns in the club’s modern era, the briefest since David Moyes’ dismissal in 2014.
During his time in charge, Amorim won 25 of 63 matches, recording the lowest win percentage (31.9%) of any permanent United manager. The team finished 15th in the Premier League, their worst league performance since relegation in 1973-74, and lost the Europa League final, resulting in no European football this season.
This campaign also included a shock Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby on penalties, further intensifying scrutiny on the club’s direction.
Carrick Stabilises Season
Following Amorim’s dismissal, under-18s coach Darren Fletcher briefly took interim charge before former midfielder Michael Carrick was appointed until the end of the season. Carrick has overseen an impressive turnaround, winning five of his first six matches, including a recent victory over Everton.
United have climbed to fourth in the Premier League standings and are now well-positioned to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Financial Position and Debt Update
The financial filing also revealed that United’s overall debt has risen to £1.3 billion. The club increased its available credit facility by £50 million to £400 million, while paying off £75 million, leaving £215 million currently owed under that arrangement.
Additionally, £600,000 worth of sponsorship services were provided to Ineos Automotive Ltd, part of the Ineos group owned by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
A Costly Experiment
Amorim’s tenure was widely viewed as an ambitious appointment aimed at modernising the club’s tactical identity. However, internal tensions, including a reported fallout with director of football Jason Wilcox, and inconsistent performances ultimately led to his departure.
While United’s short-term results under Carrick offer optimism, the financial and structural implications of recent decisions highlight the high price of instability at one of football’s biggest clubs.
