Man Utd's 8 most expensive manager sackings ranked with £77million wasted

Michael Carrick is under growing pressure at Manchester United as a result of a shocking start to the new season.

Michael Carrick's role as the head coach of Manchester United is under immense pressure as a result of their sorry start to the season. The 45-year-old has failed to guide the Red Devils to a win over the course of the last eight games across all competitions, with Sunday's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on home soil leaving the club languishing in 16th. As a result, Carrick's suitability for his role has been called into question. United have historically proven that they aren't afraid of making changes to their coaching team midway through a season.

Erik ten Hag, for example, was sent packing in October 2024 following a dismal start to the season, while his successor, Ruben Amorim, was sacked in January. While Carrick managed to pick up the pieces left by the latter in the interim between January and May, he has failed to make much of a mark since being awarded a permanent contract this summer.

As a result, a number of potential successors to the Englishman have been speculated on, from Eddie Howe to Antonio Conte. Considering the termination fee United would likely have to pay to move Carrick on, such a decision is set to cost the club a small fortune.

Again, however, that hasn't prevented the Red Devils from axing managers in the past. Here, Express Sport breaks down the eight most-expensive manager sackings from recent Manchester United history...

David Moyes looks upset — David Moyes was always going to have massive boots to fill when he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, and the task proved far too large for the 63-year-old. The Scot managed to wangle a six-year contract at Old Trafford, having been hand-selected by Fergie for the job. However, he lasted just 10 months in his post before he was sent packing, United coughing up quite the compensation package to part ways with him. (Image: Getty)

Ruben Amorim points — Ruben Amorim joined the club in November 2024, led United to a 15th-place Premier League finish, missed out on the Europa League title through a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the final, and still managed to keep his job for another season. Unfortunately for the Portuguese tactician, he lost his job in January following yet another uninspiring start. His contract should have seen him through to 2027. He's now in charge of AC Milan. (Image: Getty)

Louis van Gaal looks up — While Louis van Gaal managed a year longer at the Theatre of Dreams than Moyes, the Dutchman's tenure between 2014 and 2016 was also a mixed bag. Despite winning the FA Cup in his last game in charge, Van Gaal was sacked two days later as a result of a torrid domestic campaign which saw the Red Devils finish fifth and miss out on Champions League qualification for 2016/17. (Image: Getty)

5) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - £10million

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer applauds — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was 'at the wheel' of United for two and a half years between 2018 and 2021, with the board putting their utmost faith in the Norwegian despite zero return in terms of titles. Solskjaer was awarded a new contract in July 2021, but having lost the dressing room just four months later, United ultimately made the decision to move on. While Solskjaer's payout is thought to be £7.5m, United are understood to have coughed up a package of £10m in total, including coach payouts. (Image: Getty)

Michael Carrick is under growing pressure at Manchester United as a result of a shocking start to the new season.

5) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - £10million

You may like

Why Bruno Fernandes should actually thank Michael Carrick at Man Utd for reversing Ruben Amorim e...

Kane has Ballon d’Or win ruined by ‘row’ with Mbappe and Dembele over ‘disrespect’

Man Utd reach stunning Michael Carrick stay verdict as decision is explained

Kai Rooney scores four goals in 6-0 thrashing as Man Utd fans all say same thing

Paul Scholes picks out Michael Carrick replacement 'miles' clear for Man United

The future Ballon d’Or winner Man Utd should pay big to sign now

Roy Keane's amazing reaction as woman shows him her late dad's most prized possession

Jadon Sancho to West Ham transfer twist emerges

Man Utd receive huge Eddie Howe boost with appointment ‘easier’ than ‘dream’ boss deal

Three reasons why Chelsea’s decision to sell Nicolas Jackson still makes sense