Amorim Exit Leaves Manchester United Facing £12m Fallout

Manchester United’s turbulent spell under Ruben Amorim ended with costly consequences after it emerged the Portuguese coach had been prepared to resign days before the club chose to sack him, triggering a £12 million compensation payout.

Amorim’s 14-month reign at Old Trafford came to a close following a strained run of results and growing tension behind the scenes, with the decisive moment arriving in the aftermath of a 1–1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.

That result intensified pressure on the 40-year-old, whose relationship with United’s hierarchy had deteriorated rapidly. A heated confrontation with director of football Jason Wilcox before the Leeds fixture reportedly left Amorim on the brink of walking away from the job.

The situation was later shaped by talks with his agent, Raul Costa, who advised that United either fully back the manager or formally dismiss him. Amorim ultimately stayed put, a decision that would soon prove expensive for the club.

The timing mattered. Amorim publicly addressed his perceived lack of boardroom support after the Leeds draw, insisting he would not resign and would instead see out his contract unless removed. Less than 24 hours later, United acted, believing they had been left with no alternative.

Old Trafford’s mood had grown increasingly tense as results stalled and authority lines blurred. While the crowd remained restless, the bigger struggle was unfolding internally, with senior figures weighing whether the project could realistically be salvaged.

United executives Omar Barrada and Jason Wilcox held further talks with Amorim before confirming the decision to part ways. That meeting sealed the financial impact, as the club became liable for the remainder of his contract.

The dismissal added another chapter to United’s costly post Sir Alex Ferguson era. The £12m owed to Amorim pushes the club’s total spend on failed managerial appointments since 2013 to around £100m, underlining the scale of instability at the top.

Attention quickly shifted to what comes next. Darren Fletcher initially stepped in as caretaker but oversaw an underwhelming draw with Burnley and an FA Cup exit to Brighton, prompting another quick change.

Michael Carrick has now been appointed interim manager until the end of the season, with United planning a full search for a permanent successor in the summer. Carrick faces immediate pressure, beginning with a Manchester derby at Old Trafford before a daunting trip to Arsenal.

For United, the Amorim episode is another reminder that clarity and conviction at board level remain as important as results on the pitch. The next few weeks may shape not just this season, but the direction of the club well beyond it.