Should Manchester United decide to pull the plug on the Ruben Amorim era so early into the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, they could be forced to pay a staggering price to do so. The belief from the Stretford End was that the former Sporting Lisbon manager would bring the glory days back again, but the early signs in his first full season in charge are far from promising.
The Red Devils are yet to win a game after three in all competitions this term, with their most recent low point - following last season’s record of their lowest-ever Premier League finish - being a penalty shootout defeat to League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night.
After 10 months in charge, much more would surely have been expected of the Amorim premiership. Yet, while the likes of Arne Slot and Thomas Frank appeared to steady their ships a lot quicker, United’s helmsman is still struggling to find his sea legs in what many describe as football’s most unforgiving job, pleading that his team still needs more time to develop.
It is hardly reassuring that Alex Iwobi was able to summarise United’s weaknesses in just a few blunt words after their draw with Fulham. And yet, because of the financial weight of his contract, the INEOS-led hierarchy will not find it easy to part ways with Amorim, even if they wanted a change at the wheel.
Amorim’s Contract Could Cost United a Fortune to Tear Up
Ruben Amorim
Amorim himself is hardly the most optimistic manager the Theatre of Dreams directors have ever appointed. While the likes of Erik ten Hag once talked the talk but failed to walk the walk, their current boss seems hyper-aware of the issues embedded at the club. He has openly admitted he isn’t sure how long he will remain in charge and even labelled last season’s squad the worst in its history - despite having been in the job only a matter of weeks at that point.
With that in mind, it would surprise few if he ended up throwing in the towel and cutting his losses. After all, there were strong rumours over the summer that he was already considering just that. However, should his higher-ups conclude he isn’t fit for the job without him stepping aside on his own terms, a “watertight clause” in his contract means parting ways could come at a hefty cost.
bruno fernandes manchester united
According to The Sun, United would be required to pay out the remainder of his contract if he were sacked. The Portuguese coach is reported to be earning £125,000 per week and still has around 22 months left on his deal, which runs until 2027. In total, that would amount to roughly £11.9 million if the club were to pay out in full. For context, United were forced to hand over around £14.5 million in compensation to Erik ten Hag and his coaching team following his dismissal last year.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Man United have appointed seven permanent managers. Yet, the vicious cycle remains the same: a new boss is handed a war chest, only to be dismissed before proving himself as the man to restore the club to its halcyon days. Early criticism this season suggests that under Amorim, the pattern may be repeating, with doubts over his ability to adapt and accusations that he is too stubborn to change for the greater good of his team.