Rúben Amorim’s Costly Tenure at Manchester United: Financial Outlay and Internal Strife Culminate in Dismissal

By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo

• Rúben Amorim’s Turbulent Manchester United Reign Ends After 14 Months of Strife and Setbacks

Manchester United’s bold gamble on Rúben Amorim has come to an end—14 months after it began with high hopes and heavy investment. The Portuguese coach was dismissed this week following a turbulent spell marked by disappointing results, fractured relationships, and a mounting sense of drift at Old Trafford.

Appointed in November 2024 at considerable cost—£9.2–9.5 million paid to Sporting CP—Amorim was heralded as the bright, tactical mind to lead United’s next era. But by January 2026, his legacy is shaped less by vision than by volatility.

A Pricey Experiment

Beyond the initial compensation, Amorim earned between £6.5–6.7 million annually. With 18 months remaining on his deal and additional severance packages for his backroom staff, United are facing a financial outlay worth of £27 million for his brief stay.

On the transfer front, Amorim oversaw a spending spree exceeding £200 million, bringing in players like Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. The return on investment, however, fell painfully short.

Underwhelming Results

Amorim’s record—25 wins from 63 matches—translates to a 39.7% win rate, the lowest of any United manager in the post-Ferguson era. The 2024–25 season ended with United slumping to 16th in the Premier League, amassing just 42 points and narrowly avoiding relegation fears.

In Europe, the team reached the UEFA Europa League final but lost 1–0 to Tottenham Hotspur, missing a chance to salvage the season.

Discord Behind the Scenes

While results were disappointing, deeper issues festered off the pitch. Amorim reportedly clashed with Director of Football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada over recruitment policies and autonomy. His push for greater control in transfer dealings created friction at the boardroom level.

In the dressing room, tensions surfaced. A public fallout with Alejandro Garnacho led to the winger’s sale, while captain Bruno Fernandes quietly voiced discontent over being played in a deeper role, despite an otherwise respectful rapport with the manager.

Amorim’s fiery temperament also came into focus after a 3–1 defeat to Brighton, when he reportedly smashed a TV during a furious outburst at his players—symbolic of the pressure boiling beneath the surface.

What’s Next?

In the interim, former midfielder Darren Fletcher will take charge for United’s next match against Burnley. The club is expected to appoint a longer-term caretaker for the remainder of the season, with a permanent hire eyed in the summer.

Among those previously linked with the role are Michael Carrick, Zinedine Zidane, Julen Lopetegui, Oliver Glasner, and Andoni Iraola. But for now, United must regroup—again—after another failed chapter in their search for post-Ferguson stability.