Manchester United have confirmed that sacking Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff in January cost the club £16.7 million. The Portuguese head coach lasted just 14 months after replacing Erik ten Hag in November 2024, guiding United to a record-low 15th-place Premier League finish and a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim's tenure was marked by inconsistent form and tactical inflexibility, with his persistent use of a back-three drawing criticism. He was initially replaced by Darren Fletcher for two games before Michael Carrick took over until the end of the season, leading United back into the Champions League and earning the permanent role.
Despite the severance costs, the club's latest accounts show an operating profit of £37.7 million for the nine months to March 2026, compared to a £3.2 million loss the previous year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation rose to £187.5 million from £145.3 million, aided by cost-cutting measures under co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
However, United still carry $650 million (around £483 million) in debt from the Glazer era, with short-term borrowing increasing by £50 million to £262.5 million. The absence of European football this season also impacted finances, though Champions League qualification under Carrick guarantees at least £16 million in prize money next term.
