Manchester United have stepped away from a potentially record-breaking collaboration with Amazon, choosing instead to prioritize internal stability and the performance of their first team under new manager Ruben Amorim. The move sheds light on the club’s fragile balance between financial necessity and footballing integrity as they aim to rebuild after a tumultuous season.
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United Back Out of Amazon’s Record-Breaking Offer
Negotiations between Manchester United and Amazon had been in progress for several months towards the end of the 2024–25 campaign. Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that Amazon’s offer exceeded £10 million ($13.64 million), which would have marked its largest ever payment for a sports documentary under its “All or Nothing” banner — previously featuring clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur.
But despite Amazon’s enthusiasm and the support of United’s commercial leadership — including INEOS and CEO Omar Berrada — the club ultimately pulled the plug on the project.
Amorim’s Hard Stance Against Distractions
The key reason? Head coach Ruben Amorim voiced strong opposition. “He did not believe such a project to be appropriate or beneficial to the first team at present.”
According to insiders, Amorim cited the need for a distraction-free environment as the team attempts to rebound from a dire 15th-place league finish and a Europa League final loss to Spurs. His recommendation weighed heavily in the club’s final decision, with the Executive Committee presenting a united front in favor of scrapping the proposal.
Amorim, known for his fiery temperament, notably once smashed a tactical analysis screen after a home defeat to Brighton. He also publicly told Alejandro Garnacho to “continue his career elsewhere,” signaling his intent to take firm control of the dressing room.
Financial Pressures Still Loom Large
The decision to forego Amazon’s offer comes despite significant financial pressures. United’s debt stands at over £700 million, and they are without European competition next season. In March, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe even warned: “United were in danger of running out of cash and going bust by Christmas.”
The club has already begun extensive cost-cutting, including the planned layoff of up to 450 staff members. Sponsorship woes have added to the strain: deals with Tezos and Marriott have expired, and no replacements have been announced yet.
However, not all commercial news is grim. Apollo Tyres recently extended their partnership by three years, with insiders suggesting more endorsements are in the pipeline.
| Financial Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Total Debt | £700+ million |
| European Qualification | None (2025–26) |
| Major Lost Sponsors | Tezos, Marriott |
| Recent Deal Signed | Apollo Tyres (3-year extension) |
Players and Power Dynamics
A major hurdle for the Amazon project was the requirement for player buy-in — something unlikely without Amorim’s endorsement. With Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Garnacho, and Antony all facing uncertain futures, locker room unity is already fragile.
That Rashford, Garnacho, Sancho and Antony are still Manchester United players should leave the whole club with an awful lot to ponder.
Amorim’s growing influence, despite United’s on-field struggles, is clear. He has been given authority to reshape the squad, even if it means offloading rising stars. The Amazon decision reinforces that football operations — not commercial priorities — are steering the ship for now.
Disney Discussions Also On Hold
Interestingly, this isn’t United’s first brush with Hollywood. Talks with Disney had taken place around producing a series chronicling the Sir Alex Ferguson era, leveraging interviews and archival footage from legends like Bryan Robson and Peter Schmeichel. However, those plans faded following Ferguson’s ambassadorial exit as part of broader cost-cutting.
| Documentary Platform | Subject | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime | 2025 Season | Canceled |
| Disney+ | Ferguson Era | Shelved |
Both Manchester United and Amazon have declined to comment on the collapsed deal.
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FAQs
Why did Manchester United cancel the Amazon documentary?
The club prioritized first-team focus over commercial gain after head coach Ruben Amorim raised concerns about the distraction it could cause.
How much was Amazon offering Manchester United?
Amazon reportedly offered more than £10 million, making it their largest proposed payment for an “All or Nothing” football documentary.
What financial issues is Manchester United facing?
United are grappling with over £700 million in debt, no European football in 2025–26, and the expiration of key sponsorships.
Who opposed the Amazon deal at Manchester United?
Ruben Amorim, the head coach, opposed the idea strongly, leading to a unified decision by the Executive Committee to back out.
Were there other documentary plans involving Manchester United?
Yes, United had discussed a series with Disney focusing on Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, but that project has also stalled.
