Jose Mourinho's departure from Manchester United may not come as a complete shock, given the club's recent run of form, but the 13 times Premier League champion's loss will come as a welcomed Christmas bonus for HMRC, according to accounting, tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. 

Andy Timpson, a partner at the firm said: “Press reports of a £24 million severance to Mourinho, which may largely be made up of contractual pay to the end of his contract, will mean a significant tax bill close to 50 per cent should be making its way to HMRC.”

The presents will keep coming for HMRC, and Manchester United will also...