Despite claiming that his tearful lap of Old Trafford wasn't a 'farewell', the writing looks to be on the wall for Manchester United boss Michael Carrick following a crushing, lacklustre defeat to Bournemouth.

The Red Devils' hot seat has proven to be a task that only one manager could withstand, as the pressure of managing the famed club is becoming more of a poisoned chalice than the throne that it should be.

Following a damning 0-3 loss to the Cherries, Michael Carrick's job has never been less secure, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claiming that the United boss 'wants to be sacked' amid a bold call to bench Bruno Fernandes.

Should Carrick face the axe, it would mark the eighth time Manchester United has sacked a manager since Fergie resigned from his post, and each one came with a cost.

David Moyes - £5.2M

Less than a year after succeeding Fergie, David Moyes was dismissed from his position. Reflection suggests that this might have been the most impulsive and harsh sacking, considering the squad that was handed down to Moyes. Yet, a damning defeat by his former club Everton signalled how far this giant club had fallen so quickly, and with four years left on his contract, the board forked out a hefty compensation package.

Louis Van Gaal - £8.4M

Serving as manager for two years, the stubborn Dutch tactician endured a mixed time at Manchester United. Despite lifting silverware in his last game, the FA Cup final victory wasn't enough to paper over the cracks of a poor domestic campaign that ended without Champions League football. LVG served two years of his three-year contract, and the club decided to move on two days after the FA Cup win, costing them £8.4M.

Jose Mourinho - £19.6M

The single biggest payout so far comes to the Special One. Despite delivering the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield during his tenure, tensions with the higher-ups combined with poor results in the league left Manchester United a long way from retaining their Champions League status. Having signed a two-year extension to a three-year contract that would have kept him in charge until 2020, he was sacked five months into his new deal, and that proved to be disastrous for the United bank balance.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - £10M

Having took the wheel in 2018, a successful two and a half year tenure at Manchester United had Ole rewarded with a brand-new deal in July 2021. But, in similar fashion to Jose, the Norwegian lost control of the changing room and suffered a string of heavy defeats in his next season. Just four months into his new contract, the board decided that time was up for the Gunnar, and it cost them dearly.

Ralf Rangnick - £15M

Following Solskjaer's dismissal, Ralf Rangnick failed to steady the ship, despite coming with the reputation of having a firm hand. Having agreed to take the managerial position with an agreement to move upstairs if a better manager came along, the club decided that the performances were far from what was desired and reneged on the offer of a consultancy position and allowed him to take the Austria national job with a significantly heavier wallet.

Erik Ten Hag - £17M

In arguably Manchester United's hardest era, Erik Ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United in October 2024 as the club sat 14th in the Premier League. Although he delivered two pieces of silverware to United's cabinet, the Dutch boss couldn't deliver. But akin to others, Ten Hag had an extended contract that was due to take him up to 2026, and therefore it cost United a hefty whack to sack him.

Ruben Amorim - £10M

One of the shortest tenures in charge comes in the form of Ruben Amorim, as he was chopped from office after 14 months. The Portuguese oversaw Manchester United's worst Premier League finish ever, and the worst league position in over 50 years. Joining in November 2024, Amorim's contract wouldn't have run out yet if he were still in charge, with a deal that would have taken him until 2027.

Michael Carrick - Estimated £11.875M

To sack Michael Carrick, it's reported that Manchester United would have to fork out another £12M. Having signed a two-year deal to turn his interim role into a permanent one, Carrick is reported to be taking home £6.5M a year. However, serving just three months of his contract so far means that he's only taken home around £1.125M of that.

Total - £97M

For a club whose investments on the pitch have been heavily criticised in recent weeks, even by Lisandro Martinez, the near-nine-figure sums to keep sacking managers come as an embarrassing stain on the club's hiring and firing process.