Manchester United players are obliged to play at least 60% of the minutes in a season in order to activate a potential Champions League bonus in their contracts and receive a salary increase. That’s the rule now, but according to the Manchester Evening News, it wasn’t always in place. That’s why Marcus Rashford is set for a hefty £4 million-a-year pay rise, despite making his last appearance for the Red Devils over a year ago!So Rashford gets a 25% salary increase because United qualified for the Champions League… despite not contributing to the qualification.
When the Englishman signed his deal with the club, the “60% rule” wasn’t yet in force, meaning he will cost United an additional £8 million over the next two years, with his contract running until 2028 – all because they are back in the Champions League after a one-season absence. Unless, of course, they manage to sell him. That doesn’t seem particularly likely at the moment, though, as Rashford recently returned to Old Trafford from his season-long loan at Barcelona, which opted not to trigger the £26 million option to buy.
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The Red Devils’ faithful must have been thrilled when their club finished third in the Premier League last season, but this unexpected financial hit will slightly dampen their mood – especially because the money will go to Rashford, who played no part whatsoever in the team’s success. Still, let’s wait and see. Perhaps Michael Carrick will find a way to revive the forward. If he does, United will get their money’s worth.