If Manchester United decides to end the Ruben Amorim era so early in the 2025/26 Premier League season, they may have to pay a steep price. The Stretford End hoped that the former Sporting Lisbon manager would restore the club’s golden days, but the early signs of his first full season in command are not good.
The Red Devils have yet to win a game in three competitions this season, with their most recent low point – following last season’s record of their lowest-ever Premier League finish – a penalty shootout loss to League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night.
After ten months in command, much more could have been expected of the Amorim Premiership. However, although Arne Slot and Thomas Frank looked to steady their ships much faster, United’s manager is still battling to find his sea legs in what many regard as football’s most punishing position, reasoning that his club requires more time to mature.
It is not encouraging that Alex Iwobi was able to encapsulate United’s flaws in a few straightforward words following their stalemate with Fulham. However, due of the financial implications of his contract, the INEOS-led hierarchy will find it difficult to part ways with Amorim, even if they desired a change at the wheel.
Amorim’s contract might cost United a fortune to break up.
Amorim is far from the most hopeful manager the Theatre of Dreams’ directors have ever hired. While Erik ten Hag and others earlier talked the talk but did not walk the walk, their new manager appears to be acutely aware of the club’s troubles. He has publicly said that he is unsure how long he will be in charge, and he even described last season’s roster as the worst in club history despite only being in the job for a few weeks.
With that in mind, few would be surprised if he eventually gave up and trimmed his losses. After all, there were significant rumors throughout the summer that he was already considering doing so. However, if his superiors decide he isn’t qualified for the job without his stepping down on his own terms, a “watertight clause” in his contract means parting ways could come at a significant cost.
According to The Sun, if he is fired, United must pay out the remaining portion of his contract. The Portuguese coach is estimated to make £125,000 per week and has about 22 months left on his contract, which extends until 2027. If the club paid out the full sum, it would total around £11.9 million. To put things in context, following Erik ten Hag’s resignation last year, United was required to pay him and his coaching staff almost £14.5 million in compensation.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Manchester United has recruited seven permanent managers. Nonetheless, the vicious cycle persists: a new boss is given a war chest, only to be fired before proving himself as the man to return the club to its glory days. Early criticism this season suggests that the cycle may be repeated under Amorim, with questions about his capacity to adapt and charges that he is too stubborn to adjust for the betterment of his club.
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