Manchester United’s problems extend far beyond the field of play. The Red Devils’ financial woes are well-documented and must be resolved before the club can move forward.
The Manchester United owners have made several blunders over the past decade, most of which have been to award undeserving players huge, and unjustifiable, contracts.
Alexis Sanchez’s eye-watering contract following his transfer from Arsenal in 2018 has been identified as the starting point in what has since become an uncontrollable, and success-hindering, trend at United.
Man United still paying price of Alexis Sanchez’s failed transfer
Sanchez’s move from Arsenal sparked huge excitement among fans. I was actually in attendance for his debut against Yeovil in the FA Cup — the buzz among supporters to see one of the world’s best players at the time, in action, on what was a bitterly cold Friday night in Somerset, was palpable.
Although Sanchez picked up Man of the Match against Yeovil for his part in a 4-0 win, things definitely did not end up going to plan.
Scoring only five goals in 45 games, the Chilean departed in favour of a move to Inter Milan just 19 months after penning a £560,000-a-week contract.
According to the Telegraph, the Red Devils’ decision to hand the South American a deal worth over £2 million-a-month sparked envy throughout the Manchester United first-team and forced a scramble among agents to get their clients improved deals.
For example, Sanchez’s contract was used as to secure Marcus Rashford a £200,000-a-week deal and make David De Gea the world’s best-paid goalkeeper on £375,000-a-week.
Although Sanchez has been gone from Old Trafford for nearly six years, the effects of his failed transfer are still being felt today.
Majority of Red Devils’ top earners in line for Old Trafford exits
Tasked with changing the perception that United are pushovers when it comes to financial negotiations, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is attempting to stamp his authority on the club as he looks to reinvent their failed transfer policies.
This is best proven by the fact the majority of United’s top 10 earners are some of the most likely candidates to leave the club, either this month, or in the summer.
| Man United Top 10 Earners | Weekly Wage |
| Casemiro | £350,000 |
| Bruno Fernandes | £300,000 |
| Marcus Rashford | £300,000 |
| Mason Mount | £250,000 |
| Antony | £200,000 |
| Matthijs de Ligt | £195,000 |
| Harry Maguire | £190,000 |
| Christian Eriksen | £150,000 |
| Luke Shaw | £150,000 |
Clearly, Ratcliffe has made it his priority to trim the club’s ridiculous wage bill, hence why Casemiro is close to joining Al-Nassr and Rashford will be allowed to leave United if a suitable offer is made.
Although Ratcliffe’s approach to financial operations, including his decision to make multiple Manchester United staff cuts, has raised eyebrows, a cut-throat approach has been long overdue.
Failure to sort out the complex issues at United will result in the club remaining stagnate and prolong their climb back to the top.
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