Man United would save millions by sacking Ruben Amorim on this date – but there’s a catch

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Ruben Amorim earned himself a much-needed reprieve after Manchester United beat Sunderland 2-0 before the international break.

The next fortnight will afford the under-pressure Manchester United head coach the chance to take stock following his side’s rollercoaster start to the new season.

The Red Devils have won just three of their opening seven Premier League fixtures, and the dismal 3-1 loss against Brentford looked to have moved Amorim to the brink of the sack.

Some reports even suggested Sir Jim Ratcliffe would have pulled the trigger had United lost to the Black Cats, but they responded with a much-improved display at Old Trafford.

However, TBR Football can reveal that the club would save millions by choosing to terminate the manager’s contract before a certain date. That may well become a factor in deciding his future.

Exclusive: Ruben Amorim due £12m if he is sacked before November

Our financial expert Adam Williams crunched the numbers to delve deeper into some of the thinking that could be happening in the United boardroom this month.

While dismissing Amorim might look to be the financially savvy move, it isn’t that simple.

Williams told TBR Football: “According to the reports, Amorim’s deal is worth £6.5m per season, and it was a two-and-a-half-year contract. So the total value of the contract is about £19.5m. That’s probably his basic pay before any variable elements come in.

“He’s not likely to get much in the way of performance-related bonuses.

“So if he is sacked before 1 November, he would be due £12m, which is about £2.25m more than the reported remaining value of his contract.

“On paper, you might say that United might as well wait another few weeks to get rid of Amorim in order to save that money. But the flip side of that is that each place in the Premier League is worth £3m, which means three points is probably worth something similar even at this stage in the season.

“If sacking Amorim gives you a better chance of achieving that, then why not go sooner rather than later?

“Whether that £12m would be paid out in one go or whether Amorim would continue to receive his salary in the normal fashion after being sacked depends on the particulars of the contract.

“There are loads of variables there. Either way, the cost of terminating the deal will be expensed immediately for accounting purposes, which means it will impact United’s PSR calculation this season.

“They are probably going to be okay on PSR this season anyway, but the timing could be relevant for future seasons.”

When Man United could make Ruben Amorim sack decision

TBR Football reported that United remain behind Ruben Amorim, and Ratcliffe is believed to be keen to give him the full season to properly judge his work.

United managers have often found themselves in the same position before, though, and living week to week while picking up the odd win is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Amorim’s side return to Premier League action after the international break away at champions Liverpool, and host Brighton a week later. They will then travel to struggling Nottingham Forest.

An away trip to Tottenham awaits in early November before United welcome Everton to Old Trafford.

Only a points tally of at least nine would be acceptable. Anything less and Ratcliffe might be forced to sack his second United manager in just over a year, raising further questions over the viability of Ineos’ project.