Ruben Amorim is set to return to management after agreeing to become AC Milan's next head coach, a move that will save Manchester United millions in compensation and clear the way for his successor Michael Carrick to embrace a record-breaking Amazon documentary that Amorim had rejected.
Amorim, 41, was sacked by United in January after a torrid 14 months at Old Trafford, winning 24 of 63 matches. He will replace Massimiliano Allegri at the San Siro on a two-year contract, with an option for a third, after Milan finished fifth in Serie A and missed Champions League qualification. Reports in Italy claim Amorim will forego the year's pay still owed by United; in February, the club said his exit, together with his coaching staff, could cost up to £15.9m. Once Amorim is back in work, United will no longer be liable to pay the full £16.7m compensation package the Guardian reported had been agreed in the severance deal.
“Ruben Amorim agrees AC Milan deal, saving Man Utd millions; Michael Carrick approves record Amazon documentary Amorim rejected.”
Providing contracts are signed, Amorim's first game in charge will be a pre-season match at Celtic on 25 July. Milan have also cleared out senior staff — sporting director Igli Tare, chief executive Giorgio Furlani, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada departed alongside Allegri — and are targeting Nottingham Forest's head of recruitment, Pedro Ferreira, as part of a major overhaul.
At Old Trafford, Amorim's successor Michael Carrick has given the green light to an Amazon Prime "All or Nothing" series — a deal Amorim had shelved over concerns cameras would distract players. "Now is the right time to open our doors," said United's chief communications officer Toby Craig. The documentary, believed to be worth more than £10m, will be the largest fee ever paid for a professional football club documentary, surpassing deals for Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City. Filming will run throughout the 2026-27 season, focusing on Carrick's first full campaign after he steered United to third in the Premier League and a Champions League return. "This documentary will showcase Manchester United's unique people, ambition and culture," Craig added.
Amorim had rejected the project during negotiations in the 2024-25 season. Former United boss Jose Mourinho, who featured in the Tottenham edition, said he did not enjoy "the feeling of being in Big Brother" and tried to forget the cameras. Carrick, however, has no such reservations.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are close to finalising a deal for Lens manager Pierre Sage as their new head coach, replacing Oliver Glasner. The 47-year-old Frenchman led Lens to second in Ligue 1 and their first Coupe de France in 120 years. Palace, who will play Europa League football next season after winning the Conference League, are putting finishing touches on a financial package to accelerate his departure from the French club.