Man Utd still paying price for costly contract mistake
Manchester United contracts agreed under the club’s previous wage structure are continuing to complicate their summer transfer business, despite major changes designed to prevent the same problem happening again.
A fresh report from James Ducker in The Telegraph reveals that Champions League qualification previously triggered an automatic 25% salary increase for senior players. United changed that policy after the summer of 2023, but several expensive legacy agreements remain on the books.
The result is an awkward situation for Michael Carrick and the club’s recruitment team. United have improved the way new deals are structured, but some players they could potentially sell have simultaneously become more expensive for interested clubs to sign.
🔺 Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana's Man Utd salaries have increased by 25 per cent thanks to Champions League qualification, despite not playing a single minute of their 2025-26 campaign. @TelegraphDucker explains the many legacy issues the club are wrestling with this summer… pic.twitter.com/GyDE4OOdxb
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 6, 2026
Under United’s revised structure, players on newer agreements must reportedly feature in at least 60% of the team’s available minutes before receiving the Champions League salary uplift.
Joshua Zirkzee provides a good example. The Netherlands forward did not reach that threshold last season, meaning his wages have not automatically increased following United’s return to the Champions League.
That could make negotiations easier if Juventus turn their interest into an acceptable deal.
It is one reason United’s recent transfer work has started to look more controlled. ReadManUtd examined how the club’s transfer strategy has become more coherent under Carrick, with smarter sales and greater protection of player value becoming increasingly noticeable.
The problem is that United cannot rewrite existing agreements.
Marcus Rashford shows why the old system is a problem
Marcus Rashford signed his current contract in July 2023, before United implemented the new appearance requirement.
Ducker reports that despite spending last season on loan at Barcelona, Rashford has still benefited from the Champions League-related increase. His salary has consequently returned to more than £300,000 per week, with the uplift worth at least £4m annually.
That mechanism was already being reported before United secured their Champions League return. The Sun stated in May that Rashford’s salary would rise by 25% once the club were back in the competition.
Barcelona subsequently decided against activating their £26m option to buy Rashford permanently.
That leaves United with a difficult choice. Rashford remains capable of contributing under Carrick, but selling him becomes considerably harder when another club must accommodate one of the largest salaries in the Premier League.
ReadManUtd looked at the different possibilities surrounding Rashford’s future on Wednesday, including the argument for reintegrating him if a suitable permanent offer does not arrive.
Mason Mount highlights the difference
Mason Mount is another player reportedly covered by the older system.
The midfielder played only around 30% of United’s available minutes last season, meaning he would not have qualified for the increase under the revised rules. His older agreement means the 60% requirement does not apply in the same way.
Mount’s situation may be less problematic because Carrick appears willing to use him. He has impressed in a deeper midfield position during pre-season and could still have an important role.
The wider lesson is more significant.
United have finally introduced a wage system which better links major financial rewards to contribution. However, the cost of previous decisions has not disappeared overnight.
That helps explain why selling efficiently remains every bit as important as buying well this summer.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
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