Manchester United dismissed Ruben Amorim on Monday evening, handing the Portuguese manager a £10 million severance package after just 14 months at the helm.
The 40-year-old was called to the club's Carrington training facility where chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox delivered the news.
His departure follows a turbulent week marked by escalating tensions with the Old Trafford hierarchy over tactical matters.
The decision received full endorsement from the board and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ruben Amorim was sacked by United on Monday and received a huge pay-off
|REUTERS
Reports state that they had witnessed insufficient signs of development or advancement under Amorim's stewardship, prompting action to maximise the squad's potential this campaign.
The financial toll of Amorim's brief tenure amounts to nearly £27 million when all costs are tallied.
United paid £8.3 million to release him from his Sporting Lisbon contract in October 2024, with an additional £900,000 spent to secure his services ahead of schedule.
His agreement at Old Trafford was worth £6.5 million annually, running until June 2027, meaning his exit payment covers approximately £10.05 million in remaining wages.
The club must also settle compensation for the five coaching staff members who accompanied him from Portugal.
Ruben Amorim has cost United around £27million in total
| GETTYThis substantial outlay comes after a season that saw United miss European qualification for only the second occasion in 35 years.
Darren Fletcher, currently overseeing the under-18s, has stepped in as caretaker manager for Wednesday's FA Cup fixture at Burnley.
The Scot is anticipated to remain in the dugout for at least two matches, including the subsequent Brighton encounter.
United intend to appoint an interim boss to see out the remainder of the campaign.
Michael Carrick, who held temporary charge for three fixtures in 2021, emerged as an early candidate alongside former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
This approach affords the club breathing space to evaluate permanent options, with Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti potentially becoming available following the World Cup.
Amorim's undoing stemmed from his stubborn adherence to a three-centre-back formation, which placed him at odds with senior figures at the club.
Ruben Amorim struggled to get the best from his Manchester United players during his time in charge | REUTERSFollowing the draw against bottom-placed Wolves last Tuesday, where he reverted to this system, Wilcox conveyed that the £250 million summer signings merited greater faith and possessed the quality for more adventurous football.
The Portuguese reportedly reacted furiously to this assessment.
He subsequently made pointed remarks about internal difficulties before the Leeds fixture, then delivered an extraordinary outburst after the 1-1 result at Elland Road.
Manchester United chief Jason Wilcox clashed with Ruben Amorim, leading to his dismissal
| GETTYHis record of 25 victories from 63 matches represents the poorest win percentage of the Premier League era.