Manchester United have been linked with three midfielders moving elsewhere this summer, but the skyrocketing cost of mid-table Premier League talent isn’t the only financial hurdle they face.
Since taking control of football operations at Manchester United in 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada have made slashing the club’s bloated wage bill a priority.
This helps United comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). It has been achieved by walking away from massive contract extensions, implementing a base wage with bonuses to create more incentive in the dressing room, and capping wages for incoming signings.
There is a trend developing in the Premier League that will put Ineos’ strategy to the test, especially at a time when they are trying to build a team to compete for the major honours.
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Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali wages speak volumes
We have already documented how Man City and Tottenham deals prove there is no value in the market, but there is another important factor to consider.
Anderson, Tonali and Fernandes are all in line for a significant pay increase at their new clubs.
Tottenham will apparently pay Tonali a whopping £275,000 per week, on top of the £250,000 per week Fernandes will be pocketing.
Meanwhile, Anderson is expected to receive more than £300,000 a week.
This comes at a time when United have been working hard to alter its wage bill.
It remains to be seen if there will be any players for whom United will bend their wage structure this summer.
The fact that United are struggling to sell Marcus Rashford could also disrupt plans to make more big changes to the wage bill this summer, considering he is on north of £300,000 per week.
Man City have long thrown money at players to turn their heads, but there’s a sense of desperation from Tottenham.
Footballers earning big money is nothing new. There are many examples at Old Trafford; however, it is worth noting that two of these three players are still at the early stages of their career. Tonali is the only one of the trio with a wealth of experience.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Manchester United freed up its wage bill this summer by saying goodbye to Jadon Sancho and Casemiro
- Man City have agreed to pay Elliot Anderson over £300,000 per week
- Tottenham will pay Mateus Fernandes £250,000 on top of £270,000 on Sandro Tonali each week
- United would free up more room on the wage bill by selling Marcus Rashford
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Man Utd free up over £700k in wage bill
Six players have left United this summer.
The club said farewell already to Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Sonny Aljofree, Malachi Sharpe and James Bailey.
Casemiro and Sancho alone freed up £700,000 on the weekly wage bill.
That means there is money there to make top signings. It’s just a matter of finding the right one.
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