Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is facing mounting pressure following a winless run of eight games across all competitions, with a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth leaving the club 16th in the Premier League. The 45-year-old's suitability for the role has been questioned, and United have a history of making mid-season changes to their coaching staff.
Costly Managerial Changes
Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024 after a poor start, and his successor Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. Carrick, who took over on an interim basis between January and May, has failed to make a significant impact since being given a permanent contract in the summer. Potential successors have been speculated on, including Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte, but any decision to move Carrick on would involve a substantial termination fee.
Here are the eight most expensive manager sackings in recent Manchester United history, according to Express Sport.
The Eight Most Expensive Sackings
8) David Moyes - £5.2million
David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 and signed a six-year contract, but lasted just 10 months before being dismissed, with United paying a significant compensation package.
7) Ruben Amorim - £8.2million
Ruben Amorim joined in November 2024, led United to a 15th-place finish, and lost the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur. He was sacked in January despite a contract running to 2027, and is now in charge of AC Milan.
6) Louis van Gaal - £8.4million
Louis van Gaal managed between 2014 and 2016, winning the FA Cup in his final game, but was sacked two days later after United finished fifth and missed Champions League qualification.
5) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - £10million
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer managed for two and a half years between 2018 and 2021, with a payout of £7.5m and a total package of £10m including coach payouts.
4) Erik ten Hag - £10.4million
Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024 after two years, having been given an extended contract months earlier, requiring a hefty fee to dismiss him.
Impact and Next Steps
United's history of costly managerial changes highlights the financial implications of such decisions. With Carrick under pressure, the club faces a significant payout if they choose to make another change, adding to the estimated £77million already spent on the eight most expensive sackings.
