Ruben Amorim hit with second setback after Man Utd sacking due to massive bill - The Mirror

It's been an arduous Monday for Ruben Amorim following his Manchester United sacking

Archie Griggs and Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter

15:15, 05 Jan 2026

Ruben Amorim will have to part ways with nearly half of his severance package after being sacked by Manchester United. The ex-Sporting manager was shown the door on Monday morning, less than a day after he publicly criticised United's top figures in a heated press conference.


Following the stalemate at Leeds United on Sunday afternoon, he seemed to challenge his superiors to let him do his job without meddling. His eyebrow-raising comments didn't go down well at Old Trafford, and Amorim paid the price by facing a swift dismissal.


Due to the absence of a break clause in the contract he inked two years ago, the Red Devils will have to pay out his contract in full. Due to that, the 40-year-old is anticipated to pocket just over £10million.


However, he won't be able to hold onto all that cash, with nearly half likely to be claimed by the taxman. As per OLBG, it would be subject to the additional tax rate in the UK, although the Portuguese boss wouldn't have to contribute towards National Insurance.

This is because termination payments are typically exempt from National Insurance contributions, but United would have had to fork out an extra £1.5m as part of their own contributions as his employer.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim's immediate reaction to Man Utd sack revealed as former boss leaves UKREAD MORE: Rio Ferdinand's clear next Man Utd manager message amid Oliver Glasner and Enzo Maresca links

This will leave Amorim with just over £5.5m of his settlement to take home, with the UK treasury raking in more than £6m through tax deductions and United's contribution as his employer.


Manchester United confirmed the dismissal of Amorim as head coach in a succinct statement. It read: "Ruben Amorim has departed his role as head coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.

"With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club's leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.

"The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday." The Athletic reports that a 'breakdown in relations' with figures such as Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox was the primary cause for Amorim's departure.

United are now on the hunt for a new permanent manager, but it's suggested that an appointment is unlikely until the season's end. Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is reportedly a leading contender, with Kieran McKenna, Enzo Maresca and Julian Nagelsmann also potentially in the running.

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