‎Ruben Amorim Was Set to Quit Before Man Utd Sacking — Exit Ends Up Costing Club £12m

‎Ruben Amorim was reportedly preparing to step down from his role as Manchester United manager just days before the club chose to end his turbulent 14-month reign at Old Trafford. After failing to deliver the impact expected of him, the Portuguese coach was ready to walk away before the hierarchy intervened.

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‎Instead of a resignation, United opted to dismiss the 40-year-old, triggering a compensation payment worth £12 million ($16m). That decision added another significant figure to the club’s growing post-Sir Alex Ferguson managerial bill.

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‎Ruben Amorim was reportedly on the brink of resigning from Manchester United days before his dismissal, a decision that ultimately cost the club £12 million in compensation.

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‎Following Amorim’s exit from the so-called Theatre of Dreams, reports emerged of a tense confrontation between the manager and director of football Jason Wilcox. The heated exchange reportedly took place ahead of a Premier League fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road.

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‎According to The Sun, Amorim had told friends he intended to resign after the fiery disagreement. However, it is claimed he reversed that stance after discussions with his agent, Raul Costa, who advised that United must either fully support him or formally remove him.

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‎Amorim later addressed what he felt was a lack of backing from the board following a 1-1 draw with Leeds. He publicly stressed that he was appointed as the manager of Manchester United, not merely a coach, insisting that his role carried authority regardless of his name or reputation. He added that he had no intention of quitting and would continue until the board decided otherwise.

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‎Despite those comments, Amorim was dismissed less than 24 hours later. United felt cornered by the situation, with Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada believing decisive action was unavoidable.

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‎Another meeting was held before Amorim was informed that the club would be moving in a different direction. That conversation officially triggered the termination of his contract and the resulting compensation payout.

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‎It is understood Amorim is owed £12 million, pushing United’s total expenditure on failed managerial appointments since Sir Alex Ferguson’s 2013 retirement to £100 million ($134m). The club would have avoided paying Amorim had he resigned, but instead must cover yet another costly settlement.

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‎Amorim’s assistant, Carlos Fernandes, was the first to break his silence after their dismissal on January 5. In a social media post, he thanked the club, players, staff and fans, describing his time at United as a defining chapter that tested character as much as football knowledge.

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‎In the aftermath, Manchester United initially appointed Darren Fletcher as caretaker manager. The former midfielder, promoted from the club’s U18 setup, oversaw a draw against Burnley and an FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton.

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‎The interim reins have since been handed to Michael Carrick, another former United player. Carrick has been appointed until the end of the season, with the club planning to identify a permanent successor in the summer. His tenure begins with a daunting Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford, followed by a trip to face league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates.