Man United face £12m decision over Ruben Amorim’s future | OneFootball

Manchester United’s £12m Dilemma Over Amorim Amid Growing Concerns

Manchester United’s under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim remains backed by the club’s hierarchy, but questions are growing louder after what is statistically the club’s worst start to a league season in 33 years. According to the Daily Mail, United would have to pay the Portuguese coach £12 million if they decide to part ways with him before the first anniversary of his appointment.

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Amorim’s Costly Safety Net

Amorim was appointed on 1 November last year on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth £6.5 million per season, with the option of an additional 12 months. United paid Sporting Lisbon £9.2 million to secure his services, and his contract includes a significant clause. “It is understood that the 40-year-old would pocket £12m if he is axed before his first anniversary in the job,” the report stated.

The payoff would also extend to his coaching staff, further complicating the financial picture for a club that has already spent over £54 million compensating previous managers and their backroom teams since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

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Challenging Run of Fixtures

United’s next matches are unlikely to ease the pressure. They face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday, then Brentford away and Sunderland at home before the October international break. After that come Liverpool away and Brighton at home, before travelling to Nottingham Forest on the exact date of Amorim’s anniversary.

Although Amorim said in May he would walk away without compensation if deemed no longer the right man, insiders suggest that scenario is unlikely. United’s financial situation, with annual accounts due to be published shortly, makes another payout difficult to justify.

Questions Over Amorim’s Approach

Concerns are being voiced behind the scenes. Some figures close to the first-team believe Amorim “hides when the going gets tough” and does not offer enough inspiration from the technical area. His decision not to watch the penalty shootout at Grimsby or Bruno Fernandes’ spot-kick against Burnley has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning his presence when the team most needs leadership.

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What is not disputed is his commitment on the training ground. Players were given heart-rate monitors and strict programmes during their recent time off, and the leadership group, Fernandes, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot, Mazraoui and Heaton, have stressed the need for greater responsibility.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Spending £12 million to dismiss yet another manager is unthinkable so soon after the payout for Erik ten Hag, but the performances are not offering much reassurance. There is a worry that by standing still, United may lose crucial ground to rivals, especially with fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool looming.

Fans may feel frustrated at the lack of visible passion from Amorim on the touchline. His calm demeanour may be interpreted as detachment when the side is in crisis, especially in moments that demand fire and urgency. The claim that he “hides when the going gets tough” will resonate with those who want to see a manager living every moment of the match with his players.

United must strike a delicate balance between financial prudence and sporting ambition. If results do not improve quickly, it will become harder for the club to justify waiting until November before making a decision. The mood among supporters is tense, and the next few weeks could define not only Amorim’s tenure but United’s entire season.