Manchester United’s turbulent season has come at a hefty price of £14.5 million, to be exact. The club’s latest financial reports reveal the staggering cost of sacking manager Erik ten Hag, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and key backroom staff, highlighting the financial strain of their ongoing transition under INEOS.
Once a dominant force in English football, United now find themselves battling mediocrity, languishing in 15th place after a string of dismal performances. Their latest setback, a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, further exposed the cracks in a squad that has failed to respond to Ruben Amorim’s appointment. The Portuguese manager, brought in to revive a faltering campaign, has yet to spark the much-needed turnaround.
Ten Hag’s tenure ended abruptly in October just 116 days after United triggered a contract extension keeping him at Old Trafford until 2026. What was meant to be a long-term commitment turned into a costly mistake, with the Dutchman and his coaching team receiving a £10.4 million payout.
The upheaval extended beyond the dugout. Ashworth’s swift departure, arriving from Newcastle in July only to exit by December 8, added another £4.1 million to United’s ballooning expenses. The club’s financial statement categorised these payments under “exceptional items,” underscoring the instability that has plagued their leadership.
For United fans, these figures serve as a painful reminder of a club in flux. The high turnover of managers and executives has left the squad directionless, with inconsistent performances reflecting the chaos behind the scenes. Amorim now faces the unenviable task of steadying the ship, but with relegation fears starting to creeping in, the question remains how much more upheaval can United afford?
