Manchester United could save millions on sacking Ruben Amorim, with the scenario laid out in a new report.
Amorim, who has the lowest win percentage of any permanent United manager since World War II, suffered an 18th defeat in 47 games in charge of United on Sunday when his side lost 3-0 to rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
In the Premier League, the Portuguese has collected just 31 points from 31 games - recording just eight victories in a disastrous run since taking the job in November 2024.
After a limp 15th placed finish last term, coupled with the Europa League final loss to Spurs, pressure has continued to mount on Amorim after United's worst start to a Premier League season.
A report from The Mirror claimed Amorim 'effectively' has three games to save his job at Old Trafford, with fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford and Sunderland on the horizon in coming weeks.
Ruben Amorim is under immense pressure at Manchester United. Image: Getty
Ruben Amorim is under immense pressure at Manchester United. Image: Getty
However, a separate piece from the Daily Mail explains why United may hold off on giving Amorim the boot for now.
When he replaced Erik ten Hag just over a year ago, Amorim signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with a salary £6.5 million per season.
The contract includes a 12-month extension and was signed after United paid £9.2 million to Sporting to buy him out of his contract.
But United will also have to fork out compensation to Amorim if they dismiss him prior to the 40-year-old reaching one year in the job.
Should United admit defeat on the Amorim experiment and get rid before November 1, when they play Nottingham Forest, they will be forced to pay him £12 million - with coaching staff also likely to be compensated.
Amorim could receive £12 million in compensation. Image: Getty
Amorim could receive £12 million in compensation. Image: Getty
United's enormous compensation figures
Since Sir Alex Ferguson ended his glittering stint at United in 2013, the club have forked out more than £54 million on compensation for five different managers who all ended up being sacked.
David Moyes received £5.2 million, while Louis van Gaal netted £8.4 million when he was sacked despite winning the FA Cup.
In addition Jose Mourinho earned a record £19.6 million, with replacement Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ten Hag closely following behind with payments of £10.5 million and £10.4 million respectively.
Amorim would be slap bang in the middle of the pack if INEOS pull the plug.
After the visit of Sunderland, United travel to champions Liverpool on 19 October before hosting Brighton the following weekend.