The incredible true cost of Man Utd sacking Erik ten hag and hiring Ruben Amorim revealed

November 8, 2024

The cost of sacking Erik ten Hag and hiring Ruben Amorim could yet cost Man Utd between £50m and £60m, according to former Everton CEO Keith Wyness.

The Red Devils sacked Ten Hag last week after a terrible start to the season with Man Utd currently sat in 13th place in the Premier League table.

Man Utd moved quickly to appoint Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim on Friday as Ten Hag’s successor and the Portuguese coach will start on November 11.

Amorim has a huge job on his hands with the Red Devils winning just three of their first ten matches of the Premier League season, while only Crystal Palace and newly-promoted Southampton have scored fewer goals.

There have already been rumours about who Man Utd will bring in to help Amorim during the next transfer window but it looks increasingly likely they will have very little to spend.

One of the main reasons could be because of the amount it took to sack Ten Hag and replace him with the Sporting Lisbon boss as Amorim and his staff won’t have been cheap.

Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson reckons it will have cost Man Utd £37.5m to swap Ten Hag for Amorim.

Speaking last week, he told Football Insider: “This is almost something United have had to deal with every three years since Sir Alex Ferguson left.

“It is quite important this time around because we know that they were close to the PSR limit last season. I think they probably passed quite narrowly, so we therefore know what the starting point was for this season.

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“The bottom line is, if you add likely to be an exceptional cost of about £35million, maybe £37.5million in total, clearly that’s going to cut dramatically any buffer that they have got for PSR this season, especially if the side remains down the table.

“We know that the Premier League payments per position that you get is about £3million. At the moment, those two things are playing against them in terms of their forecast for 2024-25 PSR. But of course, they have got plenty of time.”

But now former Everton CEO Keith Wyness insists that is worth looking at it “on a much bigger scale” with the final cost to Man Utd looking more like “£50-60m”.

Wyness told Football Insider: “You’ve got to look at this on a much bigger scale. There will be several backroom staff who will also need paying off as well, apparently Amorim is bringing in five staff members.

“There will be some players Ten Hag bought that Amorim won’t want, there will be a loss to take to get rid of those as well. There’s the backroom staff at Sporting who need to be paid off to come over too.

“I think it could be £50-60million by the time you take in everything that needs to be done to set Amorim up. It all comes back to the decision they made in the summer to keep Ten Hag on.”

United legend gives Ruben Amorim sage advice on what to do with Ruud van Nistelrooy

November 8, 2024

Manchester United legend Gary Pallister shared an important message with incoming manager Ruben Amorim regarding current interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Since Amorim’s appointment was announced, Van Nistelrooy’s future at Man United has been a topic of heated debate, with the retired striker’s role at the club far from secure.

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Van Nistelrooy and Amorim have yet to be in contact, while the Portuguese manager will have full discretion to dismiss Van Nistelrooy from the club should he desire.

Still, Pallister is of the belief that Amorim should think long and hard before parting ways with the United legend.

“I don’t have a crystal ball. Listen, he probably would be a help. He’s been at Manchester United and knows what the pressure is like,” Pallister told Express Sport, speaking of Van Nistelrooy.

“I’m sure he can be a help to Amorim. [But] when he comes in, he’s bringing his own staff. It’ll be all down to him. I don’t know whether he knows him [or] whether they’ve come across each other over their coaching or managerial careers, but if you ask me if Ruud could do something for the club, I would say yes,” he continued.

Pallister concluded by declaring: “I think he’s a very clever lad. He has obviously got a passion for United; he has obviously played there. He understands the crowd, the crowd like Ruud van Nistelrooy. So I don’t think it would be a bad move if you did keep him. But as I say, it’s all down to him [Amorim] and how he wants to operate.”

Having enjoyed a successful tenure as interim manager, Van Nistelrooy led United to an impressive 2-0 win over PAOK Salonika last night, registering their first win in the Europa League this season.

In addition to being effective, the Dutch former striker is also well-liked, with players such as Andre Onana voicing their desire to continue working with him.

His efforts have also commanded the praise of fellow United legends such as Paul Scholes, who believes that it is Van Nistelrooy who should be the club’s new manager.

The final cherry on the cake is that Van Nistelrooy reportedly wishes to remain at United, helping the club to progress in any capacity that he can.

Ultimately, it is up to Amorim to decide Van Nistelrooy’s future. Given the United legend’s positive impact on the club as well as his popularity and desire to stay, however, it appears that keeping him at the club would be the wise choice to make.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Mathew Cohen

A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

Van Nistelrooy says two-goal hero faces race against time to be fit to face Leicester City

November 8, 2024

Ruud van Nistelrooy says Man United’s medical team is fighting to get Amad fit for of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Leicester City.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game, the interim boss said he is “hopeful” that the player will make it.

“Amad was assessed, still working on him to get him ready for Sunday, so hopefully it will work and Kobbie is also progressing with his injury, he’s making the right steps. He isn’t yet with the team, though. He needs more time,” Van Nistelrooy said.

On other injuries, he added:

“Yesterday we had a lot of benefit from Christian playing 30 mins with Ugarte and Mason making his first minutes again, so glad they are back and for a little bit of a longer future that Luke and Leny are on the pitch.”

The Dutchman was asked if he will feel emotional managing the team for the last time in his interim role.

“I don’t know if it will be emotional, I’m pragmatic as well, although proud to fulfil this,” he said. “We’ll see how I feel on Sunday and other than that, there’s not much news. Ruben and I are focussing on our teams and on our games.”

Asked whether he has the appetite to be a manager again, he replied:

“I think the appetite to build further within this club is stronger than the other bit [management]. For this moment, as I said, I made a deliberate decision to step in this role for two seasons and take it from there. These four games haven’t changed that sentiment. That’s why I said from the beginning that’s what my intentions were after my interim job.”

“I thought this through well when I came here as assistant manager. I knew coming to Manchester United was a special occasion and I felt I wanted to be part of this journey in the assistant role. I have clear ambitions to manage, I signed a two-year deal as an assistant, and I’m still in the same frame of mind.”

The next question was as to what advice he would offer incoming manager Ruben Amorim.

“It’s a good question actually,” he responded. “I’ve been in for three months and this short spell and from there on it would be good to wrap it all up and have that conversation. It’s a good question so I will start to think about it.”

In regard to how he feels his stint as boss has gone so far, Van Nistelrooy replied:

“I think if you look at, it’s a results game in the end and the last three results were ok. We are through in the Carabao Cup, we got a good point against Chelsea when we felt we deserved more and got an important win in the Europa League, so I think the momentum is changing a little bit. But of course Sunday is also a competition in which we need to do better than we are. The game is very important in that overall sentiment.”

On leaving the club in a better state than when he took over, he said:

“I think the results themselves will make that happen. It’s easier to manage a team that has won two our of the last three, the connection with the fans is there and there’s a good feeling that we can turn things around, which is what happening at the moment. The Sunday game is a big one.

“Especially for the club, it was very important after I took over to get what I call stabilising the ship with results. All of a sudden we’re three games into that, it passes so quickly, and the last one will mean a lot.”

Asked what he has learned, he said:

“I think I’m so focused on getting the best out of the players, working together with the staff members getting United back on track that I’ve not reflected on that, to be fair. I have learned a lot from being there, with other coaches and the players, so the knowledge of training sessions, managing individuals and teams, it’s something that has helped me as a coach.”

Van Nistelrooy was also asked if he thinks United need a proven goalscorer.

“I agree that when you want to be a successful side in the Premier League and in Europe, which is what the build is all about, you need a certain amount of goals. That is clear.

“That is why the best teams in the world have those players. At the moment, we have players who get a certain amount of goals and assists but they are in an age where they still need to be developed. There is potential they will be and the belief is there they can. That’s where we are at this moment.”

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Red Billy

Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.

Video: Luke Shaw returns for United in major boost for Ruben Amorim’s tactical revolution

November 8, 2024

Luke Shaw has returned to first-team training following his protracted absence through injury in a major boost for Manchester United.

Shaw, 29, is yet to play a single minute this season for the Red Devils. This situation has been exacerbated by the continued delay to Tyrell Malacia’s return from his own injury issue, with the Dutch international not having played for United since May 2023.

The combination has left interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, and the recently departed Erik ten Hag, without a senior left-back to call upon in this year’s campaign.

Diogo Dalot has been the player most frequently deployed in this unfamiliar position, with Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui also deputising, but all three have struggled. Similarly, the left-winger fielded ahead of these out-of-position defenders has also suffered at times without the support of a natural left-sided fullback.

Which is why the video posted by Sky Sport’s reporter Ben Ransom will prove such a positive update for the team.

Luke Shaw back in training for the first time at Manchester United today since injury.

He’s not played for #MUFC since February.

Leny Yoro also present as he continues his own rehabilitation.#FPL | #FPLCommunity pic.twitter.com/2gShgt3DTn

— Ben Ransom (@BenRansomSky) November 8, 2024

Tweet: “Luke Shaw back in training for the first time at Manchester United today since injury. He’s not played for #MUFC since February. Leny Yoro also present as he continues his own rehabilitation.”

Shaw is pictured in the video participating in the middle of a ‘rondo’ drill – an exercise where a group of players keep the ball in a circle while two in the middle try to it it back.

The 29-year-old defender looks quick and light on his feet, while also appearing to be very lean.

Often in the past, Shaw has fallen foul of concerns over his fitness and physique when returning from injury. The fact that the England international looks to be demonstrating the opposite of this bodes well for his return.

United welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford on on Sunday. The Foxes are in 15th in the Premier League table and a newly promoted side who United should have little trouble in dispatching, even with a nominal left-back on the pitch.

Given how careful the club have been in their approach to rehabilitating Shaw from his latest injury issue, waiting one more game – which would allow the defender the entire two-week international break to continue getting up to speed – appears a wise one.

This would then enable Shaw’s return to coincide with the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim, arriving from Sporting Lisbon during the November break.

The 39-year-old’s tactical system is heavily reliant upon wingbacks with high levels of technical ability; to be able to begin implementing it with the most gifted fullback at the club back to full fitness will be a welcome relief.

Darragh Fox

Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.

“If someone offers enough money:” PL manager gives United green light to pursue top transfer target

November 8, 2024

Manchester United’s chances of signing long-time transfer target Jarrad Branthwaite have been given a significant boost following recent comments made by Everton manager Sean Dyche.

Heavily linked with the Evertonian during the summer transfer window, Man United’s pursuit of the defender was unsuccessful. However, it now appears as if they may renew their efforts.

The Peoples Person noted that United’s new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is reportedly a big fan of the 22 year old set on bringing the English defender to Old Trafford.

In fact, reports have emerged claiming that United will look to sign Branthwaite in January, hoping to beat the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to his signature.

Now, it appears as if United have a better chance than ever to sign the 22 year old rising star if Dyche’s words are to be believed.

Asked about United’s links to Branthwaite, Dyche commented: “I don’t know any of their [new owners] plans, their thoughts or feelings about the club at this time or the finances. So that would clearly be a new decision.”

He continued: “The current decision would be that it is likely that if somebody bid enough money for any player – by the way, forget about Jarrad. It is not relevant [just to mention] Jarrad – any player at this football club as you have seen over the last couple of windows.”

“If someone offers enough money, then they go. Alex Iwobi was like that a day or so before the deadline [in summer 2023]. I didn’t want to lose Alex, but they said, ‘Look, this is a deal we’ve got to do’,” Dyche admitted, indicating that he is open to selling Branthwaite for the right price.

A player such as Branthwaite could provide a major boost to United’s backline, impressing greatly over the course of his 35 Premier League appearances last season.

He won 68% of his total duels, making 1.9 tackles per game and refusing to commit a single error that directly led to a goal for the opposition.

While a groin injury denied his start to the current season, Branthwaite has been back at his peak since his return, winning 100% of his ground duels to date and completing 100% of his dribbles. (Sofascore)

In addition to providing consistency, Branthwaite may also help to bolster a depleted United defence, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia all sidelined with injuries.

Mathew Cohen

A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

Ethan Nwaneri earns start for Arsenal vs Chelsea: A benchwarmer per PL club that deserves a chance

November 8, 2024

Whether before or after the imminent international break, these guys deserve a chance in the Premier League having warmed the bench for most of the season.

Arsenal: Ethan Nwaneri
Likely quite disappointed that a promising period which could have been his Big Break at Arsenal has nearly come to an end with Martin Odegaard’s imminent return and his only starts have come in the League Cup. Nwaneri scored three goals in those two games and his cameos in the Premier League and Champions League have almost always earned rave reviews from pundits and fans along with questions as to why he’s not being given more game time by Mikel Arteta.

If there’s one criticism that can be aimed at Arteta in his time at Arsenal it’s been his lack of trust in academy products and with the Chelsea game possibly coming too soon for Odegaard to start there’s no reason why Nwaneri shouldn’t be given the opportunity amid the struggles of his fellow forwards.

Aston Villa: Jhon Duran
It was pretty clear why Unai Emery has been reticent to play Duran with Ollie Watkins after Aston Villa’s defeat to Club Brugge. It really didn’t work when Duran came off the bench to make a front two, so it’s one or the other and with Watkins goalless in his last four in all competitions it’s time for Big JD, who’s ravenous like a pre-domesticated dog.

Bournemouth: n/a
Beat Arsenal, drew with Aston Villa, beat Manchester City. They’re probably alright as they are for now.

Brentford: Yunus Konak
To be clear we have very little idea about Konak’s virtues but having watched Fulham entirely dominate possession against Brentford on Monday we’re wondering whether the teenager may be able to keep the ball a little better in midfield.

Brighton: Julio Enciso
Difficult to see exactly how Fabian Hurzeler might get him into the team given Georginio Rutter’s been really pretty good behind the revitalised Danny Welbeck. This is more a selfish desire to see a lovely footballer playing football again.

Chelsea: Christopher Nkunku
We can’t see him coming in for Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Maresca made it very clear that they were fighting for the same spot in the team. But we wonder if there’s any wiggle room there and whether Nkunku – after two more goals in the Europa Conference League took his tally in all competitions to ten this season – could be a bit of a square peg in a round hole on the wing, perhaps in place of Noni Madueke, whose form has dipped in recent games after an excellent start to the season.

The fear for Chelsea fans will be that arguably their most natural finisher will be angling for a move without more Premier League game time.

Crystal Palace: Cheick Doucoure
He was injured for a while but has started just one of the five Premier League games he’s been available for and none of Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton or Will Hughes have been good enough to nail down a starting spot ahead of Doucoure in midfield. They’re all also probably injured.

Everton: Jake O’Brien
Jarrad Branthwaite’s making his slow way back which will be a big boost for Everton fans, but possibly not enough of a change to an ageing backline. O’Brien has impressed in the League Cup and could form a long-term partnership with Braithwaite if given the opportunity.

Fulham: Harry Wilson
Not handing Wilson his first start of the season after two goals in eight minutes from the bench – including one sublime finish – to turn defeat into victory against Brentford would be incredibly cruel.

Ipswich: Massimo Luongo
Luongo at 32 probably isn’t the answer to any question other than ‘how can we ensure the cursed Kalvin Phillips doesn’t ruin our entire season?’.

Leicester: Bilal El Khannouss
Not easy to get him into the team what with Leicester’s three of Facundo Buonanotte, Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi among their best performers, but we would love to see a bit more of El Khannouss, who scored a brilliant goal in the Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester United.

Liverpool: Kostas Tsimikas
It feels as though Andy Robertson is in his twilight years at Liverpool and the left-back balance of power has been slowly shifting towards Tsimikas, who started against Brighton and should retain his place.

Manchester City: Jeremy Doku
The main man on the left at the start of the season but Matheus Nunes has been preferred in that role in recent weeks. And, to be fair to Nunes, he’s looked pretty good and deserves a spot in City’s best team right now, but somewhere else. Doku frustrates but Makes Things Happen and Pep Guardiola needs his side to be doing things from the outset rather than in that final 20-minute push that wasn’t enough against Bournemouth.

Manchester United: Amad Diallo
Two goals against PAOK in an otherwise typically lacklustre display from Manchester United. In what has been a long and desperate search for attacking threat and creativity it would be insane not to pick a player in form.

Newcastle: Lloyd Kelly
Definitely not going to happen as Dan Burn has played every minute so far this season and with Chris Wood to come on Sunday Eddie Howe will quite reasonably see that as a better match-up, but Kelly would probably have hoped for a bit more game time given Sven Botman’s long-term injury. After the international break, maybe.

Nottingham Forest: Jota Silva
Not too many weak links in the third-best team in the Premier League but if there has been one it’s Anthony Elanga, who’s yet to score and has just one assist. Silva meanwhile looks like a lot of fun, and while Nuno Espírito Santo doesn’t strike us as a manager focused too much on football as entertainment, we can’t see Forest losing too much by Elanga being removed from the starting line-up.

Southampton: Maxwel Cornet
We can’t be alone in not knowing he was a Southampton player. Cornet’s made two substitute appearance and hasn’t even been in the squad for four of the eight games he’s been available for. Not sure what he’s done or hasn’t done to Russell Martin, but more than a bit odd to sideline a player who when fit and firing has plenty to offer.

Tottenham: Archie Gray
He’s only 18 but he did cost £30m and we frequently watch Spurs games and think they could really do with someone exactly like Archie Gray in the heart of midfield to calm everyone down a bit.

West Ham: Luis Guilherme
Lucas Paqueta has been mediocre at best – distracted for some reason, perhaps – and while we know Julen Lopetegui is something of a fun sponge West Ham need something or someone to spark what has been a miserable season so far and the Brazilian teenager could be the answer.

Wolves: Goncalo Guedes
Fair to say he’s not pulled up any trees since his £27.5m move in the summer of 2022, albeit with most of the intervening time out on loan, but he’s scored three goals in his two League Cup starts and deserves a Premier League opportunity after coming off the bench to provide a lovely assist in the draw against Crystal Palace.

“If someone offers enough money:” PL manager gives United green light to pursue top transfer target

November 8, 2024