Manchester United Face Further £15.9 Million Payout After Sacking Ruben Amorim
Manchester United could be forced to pay an additional £15.9 million to former head coach Ruben Amorim and his departed backroom staff, according to recent financial disclosures. The club sacked Amorim in January 2026, with a year and a half still remaining on his contract, revealing the staggering potential cost of his unsuccessful tenure at Old Trafford.
Details of the Financial Burden
In a filing submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, United disclosed that the maximum potential payout to Amorim and the five members of his coaching team who exited with him amounts to nearly £16 million. However, this figure might be reduced if Amorim secures employment elsewhere during the interim period, with other factors also potentially lowering the final settlement.
Additionally, the club has written off £6.3 million in their accounts as part of the compensation originally paid to bring Amorim from Sporting CP, which totalled €11 million. This write-off reflects the intangible assets associated with his appointment that have now been deemed worthless following his dismissal.
A Pattern of Costly Managerial Changes
Amorim's payout adds to a series of expensive severance packages under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Previous manager Erik ten Hag and his backroom staff received £14.5 million when they were sacked just months after the Dutchman signed a new contract. Furthermore, Dan Ashworth's departure as sporting director after only five months cost the club £4.1 million.
These figures highlight the financial repercussions of United's frequent managerial and executive changes, contributing to significant expenditures beyond player transfers and wages.
Amorim's Disappointing Reign
Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was marked by poor performance, culminating in the club's lowest league finish in over half a century, placing 15th in the Premier League. Under his leadership, United won only 24 of 63 matches, a record that ultimately led to his dismissal.
Since his departure, the team has shown improvement under successor Michael Carrick, winning five of their first six games, suggesting a swift turnaround in form post-Amorim.
Official Statement and Financial Implications
In their SEC filing, Manchester United stated: "On 5 January 2026, the club announced that Ruben Amorim left his role as men’s first team head coach with immediate effect, along with a number of members of his coaching team. A charge of £6.3 million for the write off of related intangible assets and a provision of £15.9 million, representing the maximum potential amount of future settlement payments, will be recognised in the statement of profit or (loss) during the second half of the year ending 30 June 2026."
This provision indicates that the financial impact of Amorim's sacking will be reflected in the club's upcoming financial reports, potentially affecting their profitability and overall fiscal health.
