Manchester United have withdrawn from secret negotiations with Amazon over a behind-the-scenes documentary series worth more than £10 million, according to reports.
The proposed deal, which would have been Amazon's largest ever payment for an 'All or Nothing' series, was shelved after manager Ruben Amorim opposed the project.
Amorim made clear he was not comfortable with the potential intrusion on the first team, reports The Athletic, viewing it as an unwelcome distraction during a critical rebuilding phase at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese manager's stance proved decisive in ending months of discussions between the club and the streaming giant.
Ruben Amorim did not want Amazon invading his space at Manchester United
PA
The negotiations had been ongoing for several months at the end of last season, with United's most senior executives involved in the discussions.
The financial package on offer would have significantly exceeded £10 million, making it a record-breaking arrangement for Amazon's football documentaries, which have previously featured Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham.
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United's business department, including INEOS and chief executive Omar Berrada, were initially supportive of the proposal, which would have helped ease the club's financial pressures.
The streaming platform sought full behind-the-scenes access for the 2025/26 season, which would be Amorim's first full campaign as manager.
The club presented the proposal to Amorim after the season ended, and his feedback led to a unified recommendation at the Executive Committee to abandon the idea.
Amorim felt it would be an unwelcome distraction in an environment that has had many problems in recent years, particularly given his difficult start at United.
The manager believed such a project to be inappropriate or beneficial to the first team at present, with concerns about timing and the potential disruption to his squad rebuild taking precedence.
His opposition also included worries about aspects of the commercial agreement and the time pressure of the upcoming season.
The decision comes despite United facing significant financial constraints, with no European football next season and recent sponsor exits adding to commercial pressures.
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Manchester United chief Omar Berrada had been leading the talks with Amazon before a decision was made to cut ties
PAThe club finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst-ever position in the competition, and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham.
United's board ultimately sided with Amorim's footballing concerns over the financial benefits, with the executive committee unanimously rejecting the proposal earlier this summer.
The plug was pulled after concluding the documentary could distract from the progress of the first team, with player cooperation also reportedly in doubt alongside the manager's objections.
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