The wage structure at Manchester United has come under scrutiny as details of player salaries have been leaked. Despite recent struggles on the pitch, some United players continue to earn exorbitant wages. Meanwhile, promising young talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are reportedly being significantly underpaid.
The Top Earners
- David de Gea: The Spanish goalkeeper remains the highest-paid player at United, earning a staggering £375,000 per week. Despite his recent decline in form, de Gea’s long-term contract continues to burden the club’s finances.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese superstar, who left United last season, was reportedly earning £385,000 per week. His departure has eased some of the wage burden, but the club is still paying a significant portion of his previous contract.
- Raphael Varane: The French defender, who joined United from Real Madrid in 2021, is believed to earn around £350,000 per week. While he has shown glimpses of his quality, Varane has struggled with injuries and inconsistency.
The Mid-Range Earners
- Bruno Fernandes: The Portuguese midfielder is one of United’s most important players and is reportedly earning around £250,000 per week. His performances on the pitch justify his high salary.
- Lisandro Martinez: The Argentine defender, who joined United from Ajax in 2022, is believed to earn around £200,000 per week. He has quickly established himself as a key player and his salary is considered fair.
- Marcus Rashford: The English forward has enjoyed a resurgence in form this season and is reportedly earning around £200,000 per week. His improved performances have justified his high salary.
The Underpaid Youngsters
- Kobbie Mainoo: The promising young midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, is reportedly earning just £5,000 per week. Given his talent and potential, Mainoo is believed to be significantly underpaid.
- Alejandro Garnacho: The Argentine winger has impressed in limited appearances and is reportedly earning around £10,000 per week. While this is a decent salary for a young player, Garnacho’s potential suggests he could be earning more.
The Wage Structure Problem
The disparity between the wages of established players and young talents is a growing concern at United. While the club has made efforts to reduce its wage bill, the high salaries of some players continue to limit their ability to invest in young talent.
This wage structure can also create a toxic environment within the dressing room, as players may feel undervalued or resentful. It is important for United to address this issue and ensure that players are paid fairly based on their contributions to the team.
Potential Solutions
- Negotiate Wage Reductions: United could try to negotiate wage reductions with some of their highest-paid players, especially those who have struggled for form. This could free up funds to invest in young talent.
- Sell Overpaid Players: If wage negotiations fail, United may need to consider selling some of their overpaid players. This could be difficult, as these players may have high transfer fees and may be reluctant to leave.
- Promote Youth Talent: United should focus on developing their own young talent and promoting them to the first team. This can help reduce the wage bill and create a more sustainable future for the club.
The wage structure at Manchester United is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, it is clear that the club needs to address this problem to ensure long-term success. By promoting young talent and reducing the salaries of overpaid players, United can create a more sustainable and competitive team.
