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Manchester United Champions League return triggers 25% squad salary boost

Guardian FootballGuardian Football3 hours ago
Manchester United Champions League return triggers 25% squad salary boost

Manchester United’s qualification for the Champions League will trigger a significant financial uplift for the squad, with most players set to receive a 25% wage increase linked to their return to Europe’s top competition. Key figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire are among those impacted, with several contracts including performance-related clauses tied to European qualification. The club secured its place in next season’s Champions League following a win over Liverpool, marking its return after two years, as interim manager Michael Carrick continues to impress in charge.

Manchester United’s qualification for the Champions League means a 25% rise in salary for most of the squad. While not all players who will be paid more will receive the 25% increase, the majority will.

Bruno Fernandes, the club’s highest paid player, will earn around £250,000 a week with the increase. Kobbie Mainoo signed a new five-year contract worth around £120,000-a-week last week, while Harry Maguire also recently agreed a new one-year contract. Both players’ deals are thought to be incentivised in regards to their involvement in next season’s Champions League. It is unclear which United players are to miss out completely, though it is understood to relate to individual clauses in contracts.

United secured a return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time in two years with victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. They are third in the Premier League with 64 points having won 10 out of 14 games under interim manager Michael Carrick.

The former midfielder is expected to be offered the chance to continue as United’s head coach next season on the back of his impressive record having taken over from Ruben Amorim in January.