Manchester United Reveal True Cost of Erik ten Hag’s Sacking and Ruben Amorim’s Appointment
Feb 19, 2025 by
Transferhunt News
• 3 minute read
Man Utd spent £21M on Ten Hag’s sacking & Amorim’s hiring, while revenue drops & debt rises amid struggles on & off the pitch
Financial Fallout: The Price of Managerial Change at Old Trafford
Manchester United have unveiled their financial results for the final quarter of 2024, shedding light on the staggering costs associated with the dismissal of former manager Erik ten Hag and ex-sporting director Dan Ashworth, as well as the appointment of Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff.
Erik ten Hag’s Costly Exit
Despite signing a contract extension just months prior, Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October following a disastrous start to the season. A 2-1 defeat to West Ham United proved to be the final straw, prompting the club to part ways with the Dutchman in hopes of reversing their fortunes.
However, the managerial switch has done little to improve United’s form. Ruben Amorim , his successor, has endured similar struggles, watching from the sidelines as the team continues to falter in the Premier League. The Red Devils have now lost 12 matches at this stage of the season—a record not seen since their relegation campaign in 1973/74.
The Financial Toll of a Turbulent Transition
United’s latest financial statements confirm the hefty price tag of Ten Hag’s departure. A total of £14.5 million has been classified under “exceptional items,” specifically tied to the severance payments for Ten Hag and multiple members of the football staff, including Ashworth.
According to reports from BBC Sport, the breakdown of these expenses is as follows:
£10.4 million paid to Ten Hag and his coaching staff
£4.1 million paid to Ashworth, which includes a £3 million compensation fee to Newcastle United
£10.6 million spent on appointing Ruben Amorim and his new backroom staff
In total, the cost of changing managers in 2024 has amounted to a staggering £21 million.
Declining Revenues and Mounting Debt
Beyond managerial expenses, Manchester United’s financial struggles have been further exacerbated by a sharp decline in revenue. The club’s commercial revenue dropped by 12%, falling from £225.8 million to £198.7 million compared to the same period last year. This decline is largely attributed to their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The most alarming figure, however, comes from the 42% drop in broadcast revenue, which plummeted from £106.4 million to £61.6 million. This underlines just how crucial European football is to the club’s financial health.
Despite making an operating profit of £3.1 million, this marks a significant decline from the £27.5 million profit recorded the previous year. Additionally, United’s total debt has increased by £9.1 million, now sitting at a towering £515.7 million, due in part to "unfavourable exchange rate changes."
What’s Next for Manchester United?
With their financial struggles mounting and performances on the pitch failing to improve, Manchester United find themselves at a critical crossroads. The club’s hierarchy will be under immense pressure to steady the ship, both financially and competitively, as fans grow increasingly restless.
The question remains: Can Ruben Amorim turn things around and justify United’s significant investment, or will the cycle of managerial upheaval continue at Old Trafford?
