Man Utd player misses out on big Champions League bonus because of a little-known rule
A Manchester United player is about to miss out on a nice bonus because of a little-known rule in his contract. Since the team finished third in the Premier League last season, Manchester United will take part in the 2026/27 Champions League. This means Michael Carrick’s team will face Europe’s top clubs next year and also earn more money.
This extra pay comes from a clause in players’ contracts that says their wages will go up by 25% if the team qualifies for the Champions League. Even though Marcus Rashford hasn’t played for United since December 2024 and has been loaned to Aston Villa and Barcelona, his salary will still rise by 25%, going over £300,000 per week—adding about £4 million a year, according to The Telegraph. Rashford signed a new contract in 2023 before the club changed its wage system.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who spent last season on loan in Turkey with Trabzonspor, will also get the 25% raise. Mason Mount will see his paycheck go up too, based on the old wage rules. But Joshua Zirkzee won’t be so lucky—his pay will stay at around £105,000 per week. Zirkzee joined United in 2024 under the current system, which requires players to have played at least 60% of the previous season’s minutes to qualify for the Champions League bonus.
Zirkzee is currently linked with a move this summer, with big Italian club Juventus showing interest. Manuel Ugarte, who is injured, will also miss the bonus. FIFA is covering 80% of his £150,000 salary through a club protection program because he got a knee injury during the World Cup.
On the bright side, United have already cleared Casemiro’s hefty £350,000-per-week salary from their accounts since his contract ended in June. Rashford and captain Bruno Fernandes remain the highest-paid players at the club, each earning £300,000 per week. Other top earners include Benjamin Šeško (£200,000), Matthijs de Ligt (£195,000), and Matheus Cunha (£180,000).
Here’s a quick look at some of the weekly wages at Manchester United (according to Capology):
– Marcus Rashford – £300,000
– Bruno Fernandes – £300,000
– Benjamin Šeško – £200,000
– Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000
– Harry Maguire – £190,000
– Matheus Cunha – £180,000
– Mason Mount – £150,000
– Luke Shaw – £150,000
– Bryan Mbeumo – £150,000
– Lisandro Martínez – £140,000
– André Onana – £120,000
– Amad Diallo – £120,000
– Noussair Mazraoui – £120,000
– Joshua Zirkzee – £105,000
– Patrick Dorgu – £100,000
– Leny Yoro – £100,000
– Manuel Ugarte – £95,000
– Diogo Dalot – £85,000
– Kobbie Mainoo – £80,000
– Ayden Heaven – £60,000
It’s an interesting time for the team as they prepare for a big season ahead!