Manchester United Top Premier League Wage Bill
Manchester United may not be on top of the Premier League table, but they reign supreme in another category: the highest wage bill in the league. The Red Devils pay their star-studded squad a staggering £4 million per week, a figure that raises eyebrows considering their underwhelming performance this season.
United’s Financial Dissonance
Erik ten Hag’s team failed to secure a Champions League spot after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Meanwhile, their top competitors, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, who are all battling for the Premier League title, boast lower weekly wage bills. City spends £3.7 million, while Arsenal and Liverpool disburse £3.3 million and £2.7 million respectively according to figures from Mirror.
Chelsea, despite splurging a billion pounds under Todd Boehly’s ownership, rank fourth with a weekly wage bill of £3 million. However, their on-field performance reflects a different story, as they currently languish in ninth place.
Balancing the Books Under Ratcliffe
New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems determined to address the club’s financial imbalance. With Champions League qualification off the table, he is looking to trim the wage bill during the summer transfer window to ensure a more successful 2024-25 campaign.
Ratcliffe’s plans include offloading high earners like Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, whose contracts expire in June as reported by Sports Buddy. Additionally, reports suggest the club is open to offers for star players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
These potential sales, while potentially weakening the squad, are crucial to avoid UEFA sanctions for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations. As Ratcliffe himself acknowledged, Champions League qualification would have significantly eased financial constraints.
Cost-Cutting Measures Beyond the Pitch
Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting extends beyond the playing squad. He has implemented austerity measures for staff attending the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City. These “brutal changes” include charging staff £20 for coach travel to Wembley, a perk previously offered free of charge.
The wage bill statistics come amidst a proposed Premier League spending cap, set to be implemented in the 2025-26 season. This cap would limit teams’ spending on transfers, wages, and agent fees based on revenue from TV and prize money. Notably, Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly voted against the proposal.
The accompanying table provides a breakdown of the Premier League’s weekly wage bill by team
