How Ruben Amorim’s Milan move cut the potential cost of Man Utd sacking Michael Carrick

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes the cost of sacking Michael Carrick would be “peanuts” compared to Manchester United’s bigger problems.

Manchester United have decided to give Michael Carrick more time to turn things around following an abysmal start to the 2026/27 season. The Reds have won just two of their first 12 matches across all competitions, and Carrick was understood to be on the brink after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Rather than being sent his marching orders, Carrick keeps his job – for now – and a narrative already exists that this was a financial decision, given Ineos’ track record in cost-cutting practices. Though after giving Carrick a permanent deal in the summer, they owe him patience at the very least after leaving him short in multiple departments this season.

There’s also the fan connection to consider. United fans made it clear at the weekend that they are behind Carrick and they’re pinning the blame on the ownership and players. There’s also reason to believe that the funds are in place to rip up the head coach’s contract if it comes to that.

Man Utd sacking Michael Carrick would cost £5-6m

United would have to pay approximately £5-6m to sack Carrick, with his position hanging by a thread. It doesn’t bode well that the Reds have dropped to 16th in the Premier League standings and are winless in eight matches.

Football finance expert and The Price of Football podcast host Kieran Maguire doesn’t believe there will be any financial reasons to prevent United from sacking Carrick. Even though he has their vote of confidence today, that could easily change if poor performances and results continue.

“I don’t think that’ll be any impact whatsoever,” Maguire told United In Focus when asked if United’s financial situation will have any impact on the decision to stick by Carrick for the foreseeable future.

“Originally, if you take a look at their quarter 3 accounts, they said that the cost of sacking Amorim was going to be up to £14m. Now, because he got that job at Milan, the way that it works is that you have to pay people potentially up to 12 months of their salary, but if they find a job in between, you’re not liable. They saved £6m, or £7m as a result of Amorim getting a job elsewhere, so that effectively will pay off Carrick and more.

“I don’t see that as being an issue. And every place up the Premier League is worth £3m; if United get to the knockout phase of the Champions League, that and one extra home game is worth €7m, €8m in gate receipts, then you’ve got the prize money as well. So, it costs you £5m or £6m to sack a manager. It gets peanuts compared to the broader issues.”

Carrick took training on Tuesday morning, and it was business as usual. He will hold his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.