Manchester United says the decision to fire Erik ten Hag and the departure of Dan Ashworth as sporting director has cost the club more than $18 million.

Former Manchester United defender Raphaël Varane has revealed his surprise at the club’s decision to offer manager Erik ten Hag a new contract last summer, despite the Dutchman’s fractured relationship with the squad.

Manchester United’s latest accounts have revealed the cost of the club parting ways with former manager Erik ten Hag and director of football Dan Ashworth. The accounts, running from October to December last year, show sacking Ten Hag and his backroom staff cost the club around £14.5m.