Manchester United paid £16.7m to sack Amorim as Ratcliffe cost-cuts lift operating profit

Manchester United paid £16.7million to terminate Ruben Amorim’s contract and dismiss his coaching staff in January 2026, the club has confirmed in its latest financial accounts. The Portuguese manager lasted just 14 months at Old Trafford after replacing Erik ten Hag in November 2024.

Amorim’s tenure ended with United finishing 15th in the Premier League — their worst-ever top-flight placing — and a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. He faced sustained criticism for persisting with a back-three system despite pressure to adapt, and the club’s results remained erratic throughout his spell.

Darren Fletcher took interim charge for two matches before former United midfielder Michael Carrick was appointed until the end of the season. Carrick has since guided the club back into the Champions League and been handed the role on a permanent basis.

The financial accounts, covering the nine months to March 2026, show an operating profit of £37.7million — a significant turnaround from the £3.2million operating deficit recorded in the equivalent period the previous year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose to £187.5million from £145.3million over the same timeframe.

United attribute much of the improvement to cost-cutting measures implemented since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner, including a round of staff redundancies across the club.

The picture is not without its complications. United still carry $650million (approximately £483million) in debt inherited from the Glazer era, and short-term borrowing has climbed to £262.5million — around £50million higher than the same period last year. The accounts also reflect the impact of United’s absence from European competition for the first time in a decade, compounded by early exits from both domestic cup competitions this season.

With Champions League football secured for next season, United stand to receive a minimum of £16million in prize money, offering a partial offset against the £16.7million cost of the Amorim departure.