Manchester United Faces Financial Blow After Ruben Amorim's Departure

Manchester United's decision to part ways with manager Ruben Amorim has resulted in a substantial financial burden for the club. With a payout of £9.75 million owed to Amorim, who was dismissed after a disappointing 14-month tenure, the club is grappling with the financial implications of multiple managerial changes. This latest development adds to the already significant costs incurred from previous dismissals, including Erik ten Hag. Despite overseeing considerable spending in the transfer market, the team's performance has not justified the investments, leaving United in turmoil. The club's financial strain raises concerns about its future stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 6, 2026, 12:52 IST

Financial Implications of Amorim's Exit

Manchester United's recent decision to terminate Ruben Amorim's contract will incur a hefty financial burden, as the club is obligated to pay the remaining salary owed to the Portuguese manager. After 14 months at the helm, Amorim is entitled to 18 months' worth of wages due to a clause that prevents any reduction in his settlement.

The club confirmed Amorim's exit through a concise statement, labeling the decision as 'reluctant.' Despite the team's disappointing performance, finishing 15th in the Premier League—their lowest position since being relegated in 1974—the reluctance to part ways may have been influenced by the financial repercussions. Amorim's reported annual salary of £6.5 million means the club now faces a total payout of £9.75 million to cover his contract until June 2027.

Costly Managerial Changes

This latest financial obligation adds to a series of expensive managerial changes at United. In October 2024, the club dismissed Erik ten Hag, despite his recent contract extension. The compensation for Ten Hag and his coaching staff, which included René Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar, Pieter Morel, and Ruud van Nistelrooy, totaled £10.4 million. When combined with other expenses, United's official accounts indicated a staggering £21.4 million spent on that managerial change.

Amorim's appointment was also costly, with United paying Sporting CP £11 million to secure his services along with his coaching team, which featured Carlos Fernandes, Jorge Vital, Adélio Cândido, Emanuel Ferro, and Paulo Barreira. The financial strain on the club was already apparent, as minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned last March that United could 'run out of money at Christmas' without significant cost-cutting measures. Over 400 non-playing staff were laid off during the 2024–25 season, yet Amorim remained until now, largely due to the payout clause.

Transfer Market Spending Amid Financial Concerns

Despite the financial concerns, Amorim oversaw considerable spending in the transfer market. While January 2025 saw the arrivals of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, the following summer witnessed United spending £232.5 million, marking the fifth-highest expenditure in the league. However, the results did not reflect this investment, leaving the club in a state of disarray both on and off the field.

At his introduction, Amorim expressed optimism, stating, 'Call me naive but I believe I am the right guy at the right moment. I could be wrong but the Earth still will turn, the sun will rise again. It doesn’t matter.' Unfortunately, this optimism has now transitioned into a costly reality for United, who must now manage yet another expensive managerial transition.