When Louis van Gaal replaced David Moyes in 2014, Manchester United fans worldwide rejoiced in the news that the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach who had won domestic titles in each club he managed, was to take over a disappointing David Moyes era (which had lasted only for a season).
Two years in, he led Manchester United to a trophy-less first season, got kicked out of UEFA Champions League group stages and went on a winless streak of 8 matches, which was the club’s longest winless run since 1990.
In recent news, Louis van Gaal offered to resign as Manchester United boss to allow a new replacement to save their season as his style of football is not preferred by the Old Trafford local. However, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward persuaded the gaffer to stay until the end of the season as he does not intend to disrupt team morale and preparations.
But in retrospect, Woodward could regret the decision. In fact, there’ll be plenty of financial implications, should they move to sack Van Gaal, instead of him walking away.
Here is a breakdown of costs that will be incurred if he is dismissed as Manchester United manager:
- Louis van Gaal has 17 months remaining from his £7m-a-year deal. Manchester United will have to pay him £10 million to cover him until mid-2017. His five-man backroom staff will also get hefty severance packages.
- If Manchester United does not qualify for the UEFA Champions League, Adidas and Manchester United agreed to a £23m cut in finance from its £75m maximum annual return.
- Manchester United will also miss out a return of over £30m from UEFA if they do not end up in the UEFA Champions League next season.
- Manchester United would lose out on UEFA Champions League matchday revenue as well.
However, if Manchester United does end up sacking Louis van Gaal and securing a place in the UEFA Champions League, they would lose only £10 million and gain over £50 million.
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