(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media/Imago)
(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media/Imago)

Revealed: 'Enormous Man United termination payments' detailed since Sir Alex Ferguson's exit 13 years ago

James Murray

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

Published on

Manchester United have parted company with another manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. 

It was confirmed last week Man United have sacked Amorim following a disagreement behind the scenes at Old Trafford. 

Man United have now relieved six permanent managers of their duties since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. 

Alongside AmorimDavid MoyesLouis van GaalJose MourinhoOle Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag all failed to follow in Ferguson’s footsteps. 

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson decided to step down as Man United manager in 2013 (Credit: Imago)

Why Man United could face 'issue' appointing new manager

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Man United have paid around £100m in compensation to managers since Ferguson’s exit.

It is understood Amorim received a £10m payout following his sacking last week. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about how much compensation Man United have paid since Ferguson, Borson said: “I mean, it's a huge amount of money. After Amorim, you're talking now about £100m of severance. And of course, that doesn't include wages and compensation to other clubs. 

“United have been one of the ones to have paid less out in recruitment if you compare them to say Chelsea. Chelsea have tended to pay quite a fair bit to bring these managers in. 

“If you think about what they paid for Potter and his team, it was a very expensive transaction. Likewise, when they brought in Maresca, that was the best part of £10m. 

Ruben Amorim looks dejected after Manchester United defeat
Ruben Amorim was sacked following disagreements behind the scenes at Old Trafford (Credit: Imago)

“They paid a chunky amount for Amorim. I mean, the going rate these days is around €10m (£8.7m) to bring in a manager from another club when they're employed and that's starting to get papered into the contracts in terms of release clauses at the top clubs. There's a good chance they've got that issue coming up.” 

Man United's most expensive manager termination payment revealed

Borson revealed the biggest outlay for Man United was the departures of Solskjaer and interim manager Ralf Rangnick in the 2021-22 campaign. 

“You've just got these enormous termination payments,” said Borson. 

“The best example and the most stark one is the one on Solskjaer because they're thinking of bringing back Solskjaer. Solskjaer is a manager that they sacked for £10m. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in the running to become Man United's caretaker manager (Credit: Imago)

“Obviously, they paid him probably £5m-a-year salary, then sacked him, paid him £10m, and then brought in Rangnick, probably again paid him £5m for a year, and then sacked him after six months. 

“Then paid him £14m for the termination because, if I remember correctly, they had an agreement that he would become a consultant after the management period. Look, the bottom line is these are expensive transactions to remove managers.” 

Darren Fletcher was appointed as Man United interim’s manager last week, but he may have overseen his final game in charge following the 2-1 defeat against Brighton in the FA Cup third round on Sunday (11 January). 

For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

www.footballinsider247.com