The £37m Cost of Man Utd’s Past Two Managerial Changes

Manchester United’s recent managerial upheavals have come at a staggering £37.3 million price tag, encompassing the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, the hiring and firing of Ruben Amorim, and associated write-offs.[1][2][3] This figure, revealed in a New York Stock Exchange filing, underscores the financial toll of instability at Old Trafford amid poor on-pitch results.[1][3]

Breaking Down the Costs

The total stems from two rapid transitions. First, in November 2024, United sacked Erik ten Hag at a cost of £10.4 million in compensation.[1][2][3] To replace him, the club paid Sporting CP £10 million initially to secure Ruben Amorim, followed by an additional £6.3 million later owed to the Portuguese side.[1][3] Amorim’s own dismissal on January 5, 2026, triggered a £15.9 million provision for potential settlements to him and his five coaching staff, plus a £6.3 million write-off of intangible assets linked to his appointment.[1][2][3]

These elements add up precisely: £10.4m (Ten Hag exit) + £10m + £6.3m (Amorim hiring) + £15.9m + £6.3m (Amorim exit/write-off) = £37.3 million.[1][2][3] The £15.9m provision represents the maximum payout, which could decrease if Amorim, aged 41, lands another job quickly, mitigating ongoing salary obligations.[1][3]

This disclosure arrived alongside United’s second-quarter results through December 31, 2025, showing a £32.6 million profit—yet the post-period managerial “event” will hit the second half of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.[1][3]

A Timeline of Turmoil

United’s woes trace back to Ten Hag’s exit in November 2024, after a trophyless spell despite prior successes like the 2024 FA Cup win (not detailed here).[2] Amorim arrived with promise from Sporting, but his 14-month stint—United’s shortest since David Moyes—proved disastrous.[1][2]

He managed 25 wins from 63 matches, a mediocre return.[1][2][3] Last season, United slumped to 15th in the Premier League, their worst finish since relegation in 1973-74.[1][2][3] Additional humiliations included an early Carabao Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town and a UEFA Europa League final loss to Tottenham, barring European football this season.[2]

Tensions boiled over post a 1-1 draw at Leeds United, where Amorim publicly criticized the hierarchy. Reports highlight a major fallout with director of football Jason Wilcox days before that final game; he was axed while United sat sixth.[1][2][3]

On-Pitch Fallout and Interim Revival

Amorim’s tenure amplified United’s decline, blending tactical mismatches with internal discord. His public outburst sealed his fate, with his entire staff departing too.[1][3]

Enter caretaker Michael Carrick, whose impact has been electric. In six games, he’s delivered five wins and a draw, propelling United to fourth place and reigniting Champions League hopes for 2026-27.[1][2][3] This surge contrasts sharply with Amorim’s struggles, hinting at deeper squad or structural issues rather than pure coaching failure.

Broader Implications for United’s Ownership

Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS influence since 2024, United’s spending reflects a pattern of high-stakes gambles. The £37.3m—equivalent to about 72 billion Korean won—dwarfs typical managerial payouts and questions recruitment strategy.[2] Previous filings confirmed Ten Hag’s £10.4m cost, but Amorim’s full cycle balloons it further.[1][3]

Financially, this strains compliance with Premier League profit and sustainability rules, especially after a profitable quarter.[1] Fans and analysts decry the cycle: hire expensively, underperform, repeat. Amorim’s public criticism exposed hierarchy rifts, with Wilcox’s role under scrutiny.[1][2]

Yet, Carrick’s run offers optimism. Fourth spot positions United for Champions League revenue, potentially offsetting costs. Still, the £37m bill symbolizes mismanagement, eroding trust in decision-makers.

Lessons from the Ledger

Manchester United’s saga warns of managerial volatility’s price. Clubs like Sporting recouped via compensation, but United absorbed net losses.[1] The write-offs highlight accounting for “intangible assets” like hiring fees, now worthless.[3]

As of early 2026, with Carrick steadying the ship, the focus shifts: appoint wisely or risk more millions. This £37.3m chapter closes one door but begs questions on the next. United’s giants demand stability, not revolving doors.

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Original source: BBC News – The £37m cost of Man Utd’s past two managerial changes