Manchester United could see their substantial compensation bill slashed if former head coach Ruben Amorim finalizes a deal to become the next AC Milan manager.
The Portuguese tactician is currently the frontrunner to take over the vacant seat at the San Siro following the departure of Massimiliano Allegri.
Amorim was dismissed by Manchester United on January 5, 2026, ending a turbulent 14-month tenure at Old Trafford. Following his sacking, United’s recent financial accounts revealed the club had set aside a maximum package of £16.7 million ($22.4 million) to cover the payoffs for Amorim and his four backroom coaches.
However, the terms of the severance package dictate that the maximum payout is heavily dependent on Amorim remaining unemployed. If he secures a new managerial position within a specific timeframe, United’s ongoing financial obligations to him and his staff will drop drastically.
AC Milan have reportedly offered the 41-year-old a two-year contract worth between €3 million and €4 million per season, with an option for an additional year. Negotiations between the Italian giants and Amorim’s representatives are understood to be in the advanced stages.
The financial relief would provide a timely boost to Manchester United’s budget ahead of a busy summer transfer window. Under permanent manager Michael Carrick, who successfully guided the team back into the Champions League, the club is looking to aggressively restructure its playing squad.
United have already secured a £35 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Éderson and are actively pursuing other high-profile targets, including West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Offloading Amorim’s remaining salary liabilities off their books frees up crucial operational capital for these acquisitions.
Amorim’s brief spell in Manchester was statistically historic for the wrong reasons, leaving him with the lowest clean sheet percentage and worst win ratio of any permanent manager in the club’s history. Despite those struggles, his previous domestic success with Sporting CP has kept his reputation high among elite European clubs.
Milan had previously considered external options like Oliver Glasner and Mauricio Pochettino to lead their upcoming Serie A campaign. However, the Rossoneri have now firmly pivoted to Amorim, a move that accidentally aligns perfectly with Manchester United’s financial interests.
