Manchester United transfer news: Amorim dismissal would come at a high cost

Manchester United are reportedly questioning the future of head coach Ruben Amorim, with the cost of sacking the Portuguese boss now revealed.

Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag in a bid to turn around a struggling campaign. However, he failed to deliver in his first assignment, with United finishing a disappointing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final. As a result, the club are without European football for the 2025-26 season.

Despite that underwhelming end to last term, the United board opted to stick with Amorim over the summer, showing continued trust in the Portuguese manager. He was allowed to oversee the summer transfer window and shape the squad according to his vision.

Pressure mounting on Ruben Amorim

However, United’s poor form has continued into the new campaign. After four matches, the Red Devils have picked up just one win — a late victory over Burnley — along with two defeats and one draw. They currently sit 14th in the table, already five points off the top four.

Making matters worse, they were knocked out of the EFL Cup in the first round, losing on penalties to fourth-tier Grimsby Town. The results have placed Amorim under growing pressure.

According to The Mirror, the manager has three matches to save his job — home clashes with Chelsea and Sunderland, followed by a tricky trip to Brentford.

United would have to pay £12m to sack Amorim

United are already believed to be drawing up a five-man shortlist of possible successors, including Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, Andoni Iraola, Mauricio Pochettino, and Gareth Southgate.

In that context, the board are said to be seriously considering parting ways with Amorim if results do not improve quickly.

As reported by the Daily Mail, United would have to pay approximately £12m to sack Amorim during the first year of his contract, which runs until 1 November 2025. While this is a significant figure, it still falls well short of the £14.5m compensation paid to Erik ten Hag when he was dismissed a year ago.