Manchester United confirmed that they had spent a total of 16.7 million pounds to terminate the contract with Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff in January. This decision closed the short but disappointing term of the Portuguese strategist at Old Trafford.
Amorim was appointed in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag, but only stayed for 14 months before being sacked. Under the 41-year-old coach, Man United dropped to 15th place in the Premier League - the club's worst record since the league changed its name - and lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
Amorim's period at Old Trafford was overshadowed by unstable form and ineffective play. He received much criticism for being too rigid in tactics when he almost did not give up the 3-center-back formation, despite personnel issues and increasing pressure from experts and fans.
After Amorim left, Darren Fletcher was interim for two matches before Michael Carrick was appointed until the end of the season. The former "Red Devils" midfielder quickly made a positive impression when he helped the team win a ticket back to the Champions League, thereby being officially signed.
Despite having to spend a large sum of money to break up with Amorim, Manchester United's latest financial report still shows many positive signs.
The club announced operating profits of £37.7 million in the 9 months ending March 2026, a significant improvement compared to a loss of £3.2 million in the same period last year. EBITDA (profit margin) of the Old Trafford club also increased from £145.3 million to £187.5 million.
Man United's leadership believes that the cost reduction measures implemented since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner have helped improve the financial situation. These changes include personnel streamlining and restructuring backstage operations.
However, the club's financial situation is still not completely stable. Man United currently has a debt of about 650 million USD from the Glazer era, while short-term loans have increased to 262.5 million pounds - about 50 million pounds higher than the same period last year.
Last season also significantly affected the team's revenue when Man United for the first time in a decade did not participate in European cups. The team was also eliminated early in both domestic cup tournaments.
However, returning to the Champions League under Carrick is considered an important boost in both expertise and finance. Just the ticket to the number one European tournament has helped Man United secure at least 16 million pounds in prize money from UEFA.
More importantly, the atmosphere at Old Trafford is gradually changing. After many years of instability on the coaching bench, Carrick is bringing a more stable and clearer feeling in the way the team operates. That is also what the Man United board hopes will become the foundation for the next rebuilding phase of the club.
