Manchester United may be about to benefit from one of the most unexpected financial boosts of their turbulent recent era — and it is all tied to a manager they sacked just months ago.
Ruben Amorim’s difficult spell at Old Trafford appeared to end with an expensive parting bill and plenty of unanswered questions. But now, with the Portuguese coach emerging as the leading candidate for the AC Milan job, United could dramatically reduce the compensation costs linked to his dismissal.
And the timing makes the story even more intriguing.
If the move goes through, Amorim could be standing in the opposite dugout against Manchester United as early as August.
A costly exit that suddenly looks much cheaper
When United dismissed Amorim in January, the financial consequences were significant.
According to The Telegraph, the club estimated that removing the former Sporting CP boss and his coaching staff would cost around £16.7 million.
That figure came on top of another expensive managerial change. United had already spent £14.5 million to part ways with Erik ten Hag before Amorim’s appointment.
For a club under constant scrutiny over spending, those numbers attracted plenty of attention.
But that is where the story takes a surprising turn.
Because compensation arrangements often change when a dismissed manager returns to employment elsewhere. With Amorim now close to taking another high-profile role, United are expected to avoid a substantial portion of the ongoing payments tied to his departure.
For the club’s finances, it could be a major relief.
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Key Numbers
| Item | Reported Cost |
|---|---|
| Erik ten Hag dismissal | £14.5 million |
| Ruben Amorim and staff dismissal | £16.7 million |
| Potential savings if Amorim joins Milan | Significant reduction in ongoing compensation |
But that’s only part of the story.
Why AC Milan have turned to Amorim
AC Milan are searching for answers after a disappointing campaign that ended without Champions League qualification.
The Italian giants are reportedly planning a tactical reset and have identified Amorim as their preferred candidate to lead it.
Talks have already taken place, with the former United manager moving ahead of other names previously linked with the role, including Oliver Glasner and Mauricio Pochettino.
For Amorim, the opportunity could not arrive at a more important moment.
His time in England was dominated by pressure, scrutiny and questions surrounding whether his preferred 3-4-2-1 system could succeed in the Premier League environment.
At Milan, he would get the chance to rebuild.
And perhaps rewrite the narrative surrounding his managerial reputation.
Why the Milan opportunity stands out
- Chance to manage one of Europe’s biggest clubs
- Opportunity to work outside the Premier League spotlight
- Potential two-year contract with an option for a third season
- Fresh tactical project after a difficult spell at Manchester United
That is why many observers see this as more than just another managerial appointment.
It could become one of the most important career moves of Amorim’s coaching journey.
The reunion nobody expected
If Amorim accepts the Milan role, football fans will not have to wait long for the first chapter of the reunion.
Manchester United have already confirmed a pre-season friendly against AC Milan on August 15 in Wroclaw, Poland.
The match comes just one week before the start of the new Premier League season.
That alone would make the fixture noteworthy.
But the recent history between Amorim and United adds another layer entirely.
Reports surrounding his departure suggested tensions had escalated behind the scenes, including a reported confrontation involving director of football Jason Wilcox shortly before the manager’s exit.
As a result, the friendly suddenly feels like much more than a routine pre-season match.
And this is where reactions are likely to intensify.
Contrarian View: Is United really the biggest winner?
Many supporters will view Amorim’s potential Milan appointment as a financial victory for Manchester United.
But not everyone may see it that way.
Some could argue that a successful spell in Italy would raise uncomfortable questions about what went wrong at Old Trafford.
If Amorim thrives at Milan after struggling in Manchester, attention could once again shift toward United’s football structure, recruitment decisions and long-term planning.
In other words, saving money is one thing.
Watching a former manager succeed elsewhere is another.
That possibility may become one of the most fascinating subplots of the coming season.
United’s focus has already moved on
While Amorim prepares for a possible return to management, Manchester United have undergone a significant turnaround under Michael Carrick.
After taking charge with the club sitting seventh in the Premier League table, Carrick guided United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
The improvement has reportedly contributed to a sharp rise in broadcast revenue, while club executives have pointed to broader business improvements and commercial growth.
For United, the combination of stronger sporting results and reduced compensation obligations would provide additional flexibility heading into the next phase of squad building.
And that may be the biggest consequence of all.
What happens next?
The next move belongs to AC Milan.
If negotiations are completed and Amorim officially arrives at San Siro, Manchester United could receive meaningful financial relief while simultaneously preparing to face their former manager in one of the summer’s most intriguing friendlies.
What looked like a costly managerial mistake could suddenly become a balance-sheet positive.
But the bigger question remains unanswered:
If Ruben Amorim finds success in Italy, will the story be about Milan’s smart appointment — or another chapter in Manchester United’s long search for stability?
Editorial Disclaimer: This article is based entirely on publicly available information reported by the cited source. No facts, outcomes, quotations, timelines, or statistics have been fabricated. Analysis and interpretations may evolve as new information becomes available.