Man Utd are taking steps to lower the wage bill. (Image: GETTY)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on a mission to slash salaries in the squad, impacting players in talks over a new contract and potential summer signings, according to reports. The INEOS boss has spearheaded a widely documented push to cut costs at Old Trafford since becoming part-owner in February 2024, implementing a series of budgeting measures.
Around 400 employees have lost their jobs as part of a ruthless trimming down of operations, while all staff have gone without perks such as free lunches. United legends like Sir Alex Ferguson have had ambassador contracts ripped up, and a since-reverted ticket rise scheme saw all unsold tickets bumped up to £66, removing concessions. Before the backdrop of the club’s audacious plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium in the next six years, justified questions about how they will fund the £2billion project remain.
Sir Jim has reportedly aimed some of his cash-saving efforts towards the playing staff, which could impact United’s contract discussions and transfer business.
According to , the 72-year-old has declared war on the over-inflated wage bill that has built up over a decade of reckless financial management.
It’s claimed that United will significantly scale back salaries on offer for new signings and in fresh contracts, instead including hefty performance-related bonuses to encourage excellence.
A United source told the outlet: “The club is moving towards performance-based contracts. This has been discussed with agents going forward.
“We will still pay competitively, but we do need to manage our wage bill and ensure we are getting value for money.”
Ruben Amorim needs new players this summer. (Image: Getty)
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United are currently in a state of financial ruin, heavily contributed to by having to splurge over £2bn to service debt laid onto the club by the Glazer family.
However, the club’s damaging exploits have also spread into the transfer market and onto the negotiation table.
The Red Devils’ contract decisions have been just as poor as their recruitment. Casemiro earns £350,000 per week, while Mason Mount pockets £250,000. How much is that per start for the club?
Sir Jim’s strict changes could impact Kobbie Mainoo before anyone else, given the 19-year-old midfielder is locked in talks over a new deal at his boyhood side.
Mainoo currently earns just £20,000 per week, but his representatives are reportedly demanding an eye-watering weekly increase to around £150,000.
Only five first-team players boast a bigger salary. A pay raise to reflect his status as an important squad member and England international is in order, but a compromise will likely be required.
United have also previously counter-acted their absence from the Champions League by luring high-profile players to Old Trafford using lucrative contracts.
Such a strategy is a thing of the past, which could further limit ‘s summer prospects if the Europa League evades his team.