Ruben Amorim's confirmation as AC Milan head coach has multiple knock-on effects for Manchester United, including a potential boost to the transfer budget for permanent manager Michael Carrick. The 41-year-old Portuguese boss, dismissed by United in January after a disastrous tenure, signed a three-year contract with the Serie A side last week, replacing Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked after Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Amorim's Troubled United Tenure
Amorim was appointed by United in November 2024 but recorded the worst win percentage, the most goals conceded per match, and the fewest clean sheets of any manager in the club's history. United ended his reign in January, turning initially to Darren Fletcher as caretaker before Michael Carrick took over temporarily and then permanently after an outstanding end to the season.
Financial Boost for Carrick
United have been paying a compensation bill of £15.9 million to cover Amorim's exit and his backroom staff of four coaches. According to the Manchester Evening News, the sum United owe their former boss will fall sharply now that he has joined Milan. If payments cease entirely, it could swell Carrick's transfer war chest as the club aims to bring in new players this summer.
Pre-Season Reunion
United will face Milan in a pre-season friendly at the Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday, August 15. This sets up an awkward reunion between Amorim and United's hierarchy, given that growing friction with club decision-makers contributed to his sacking. Amorim publicly criticised the club's leadership after a match against Leeds, telling reporters that others needed to focus on their own responsibilities; he was dismissed within 24 hours of that press conference.
Milan had also considered Andoni Iraola before he took the Liverpool job, and former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner was in contention. Reports from Italy suggest Amorim waived the remaining year's salary United owed him following his dismissal.
