Man Utd have to pay Ruben Amorim huge fee if he's sacked after Grimsby defeat

Ruben Amorim is under an increasing amount of pressure as Manchester United continue to search for their first win of the 2025/26 campaign.

It has been a slow start to proceedings for United, who are looking to bounce back after recording their lowest-ever Premier League points tally (42) last season.

Amorim was hopeful of improving on their 15th-place finish following a promising pre-season.

Summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo made an early impression, while Benjamin Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig in a deal worth a reported £73.7 million.

But after failing to win against Arsenal and Fulham in their opening two games, they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday by League Two side Grimsby.

Amorim is under pressure at United. Image credit: Getty

As a result, Amorim's future has become a big talking point, with speculation mounting after he ripped into his players following the penalty shoot-out defeat to Grimsby.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: ”In the end it doesnt matter if we recover or not. I know the best team won, the only team that was on the pitch. The best players lose because any players can win against any group of players."

He added: "I think the players spoke really loud today. The best team won. I think it’s really clear what they spoke. Let’s move on from this day. I think it was really clear what happened today.

How much would it cost Man Utd to sack Ruben Amorim?

Amorim, who is said to earn £125,000-a-week at United, has roughly 22 months left on his current deal, which expires in 2027.

With those figures in mind, it would likely cost the club around £11.9 million if they were to pay him the full remainder of his contract.

Amorim is understood to have a 'watertight' clause in his contract that means he will receive the remainder of his two-and-a-half-year deal if he is dismissed, according to The Sun.

Last year, United were forced to pay a compensation bill of £14.5 million to Erik ten Hag and his coaching team following his sacking.

Who is the favourite to replace Ruben Amorim?

Earlier this week, Gareth Southgate was the frontrunner to replace Amorim, but following United's defeat to Grimsby, former midfielder Michael Carrick has overtaken Southgate in the race at 5/1, as per Oddschecker.

Marco Silva is the second favourite (6/1) alongside Southgate, while Mauricio Pochettino, Xavi, Kieran McKenna and Oliver Glasner are also name-checked.