In a shocking revelation, Manchester United’s financial records for the final quarter of 2024 have exposed a hefty £14.5million bill paid to part ways with Erik ten Hag and his coaching team.
Ten Hag’s Departure and Its Cost to Manchester United
The club confirmed that £10.4million was paid out to Ten Hag and his backroom staff following their dismissal in October, which came after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham.
Former sporting director Dan Ashworth, who spent only 159 days in the role, was also awarded a £4.1million compensation package, adding to the staggering total costs of managerial changes at the club.
A Shocking Turn of Events After FA Cup Glory
As recently as the summer, Manchester United had contemplated parting ways with Ten Hag.
However, the club decided to keep him on after their unexpected victory in the FA Cup against Manchester City, signaling a renewed commitment to his leadership.
This decision was reinforced when his contract was extended as a sign of confidence from the club’s co-owner, Ineos.
Yet, the following season brought disaster, with the team struggling in the league and European competition.
After a dismal start to the season, the club ultimately decided to let him go.
Alongside Ten Hag, several of his trusted assistants, including Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar, and Pieter Morel, were also dismissed.
A Long History of Managerial Payouts Since Ferguson’s Departure
This latest managerial saga is not the first time Manchester United has faced significant costs related to the dismissal of a coach.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, it’s estimated that the club has spent nearly £60 million on severance packages for sacked managers and their teams.
Ashworth’s Short-Lived Tenure and Blame for Ten Hag’s Stay
Ashworth, who lasted only five months in his position, has been implicated in several of the club’s recent decisions.
Reports suggest that he shouldered much of the responsibility for keeping Ten Hag in the summer, a decision that has been scrutinized following the manager’s eventual dismissal.
Ineos, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, also reportedly disagreed with some of Ashworth’s post-sacking recommendations.
The total cost of hiring and firing Ashworth is estimated to be a shocking £9 million, further adding to the club’s mounting financial burdens.
Criticism Mounts Over Cost-Cutting Measures and Ticket Price Hikes
The club’s handling of managerial changes has sparked criticism, particularly in light of the harsh cost-cutting measures implemented by Ineos.
These measures, which have included mass redundancies and significant increases in ticket prices, have not been well received by fans and industry observers alike.
Manchester United’s financial woes continue to mount as they attempt to rebuild under new leadership, but the cost of the club’s recent managerial decisions has already had a significant impact.