Manchester United's dure les: 15,9 miljoen pond voor ontslag Amorim

2026-02-27 sport

Manchester, vrijdag, 27 februari 2026.
Manchester United moet tot 15,9 miljoen pond betalen om trainer Ruben Amorim te ontslaan. Dat is één van de duurste trainerswissels ooit in het topvoetbal. De Portugese coach was maar 14 maanden in dienst. Zijn tijd bij Old Trafford eindigde na teleurstellende prestaties. De club werd 15e in de Premier League, de slechtste klassering sinds 1974. Ze verloren ook de Europa League finale. Voordat hij kwam, betaalde United al 6,3 miljoen pond aan Sporting Lissabon. De combinatie van inkooptarieven en schadevergoeding maakt dit episode bijzonder kostbaar. Nu leidt Michael Carrick interim het elftal. Hij won vijf van zes wedstrijden. De club probeert zo alsnog Europees voetbal te halen.

expensive exit for amorim

Manchester United faces a total financial exposure of up to £15.9 million due to the early termination of Ruben Amorim’s contract. This sum represents the maximum potential settlement payment to Amorim and his coaching staff. The club disclosed this liability in a financial filing with the New York Stock Exchange, classifying it as a provision for future payments [1]. The actual payout may vary depending on Amorim’s future employment situation [3].

initial investment written off

Prior to his dismissal, Manchester United had already incurred significant costs related to Amorim’s appointment. In November 2024, the club paid £11 million to Sporting Lisbon as compensation for releasing Amorim from his contract [1]. Following his sacking, United recorded a £6.3 million write-off for the amortized value of this asset [3]. This accounting treatment reflects the loss on the initial investment in acquiring the manager [4].

poor performance leads to downfall

Amorim’s tenure lasted only 14 months, making it the shortest reign of a permanent Manchester United manager since David Moyes in 2014 [1]. His time in charge yielded poor results on the pitch. The team finished 15th in the Premier League during the 2024–25 season, their worst league position since relegation in 1973–74 [1]. Additionally, United lost the Europa League final and suffered a humiliating cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town [1].

interim stability under carrick

Following Amorim’s dismissal on January 5, 2026, under-18s coach Darren Fletcher initially took temporary charge for two matches [1]. Former United midfielder Michael Carrick then assumed control on a contract until the end of the season [1]. Under Carrick’s leadership, the team improved significantly, winning five of their first six Premier League fixtures and rising to fourth place in the table [1][5]. This resurgence keeps United in contention for Champions League qualification [5].

broader financial pressures

The Amorim situation adds to existing financial challenges at Manchester United. The club recently increased its revolving credit facility by £50 million to £400 million, bringing total borrowing to £215 million [1]. Debt servicing costs have reached £35.4 million for the half-year ending December 31, 2025 [5]. Furthermore, the club reported a £5.8 million drop in sponsorship income, largely due to the expiration of the Tezos training kit deal [5].

total cost of managerial change

The combined financial impact of hiring and dismissing Amorim reaches nearly £37.3 million. This includes the £11 million paid to Sporting Lisbon, the £10.4 million cost of terminating Erik ten Hag’s contract, and the projected £15.9 million severance for Amorim [1]. Such expenses highlight the substantial economic risks associated with rapid managerial turnover in elite football, particularly when performance fails to meet expectations [GPT].

Bronnen

Manchester United ontslagvergoeding