Manchester United may be one of the richest clubs in the world, but reports in the English media suggest that the Red Devils’ stars could face a massive pay cut if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Manchester United have reportedly added a clause in the contracts of their players and coaches that gives them the mandate to cut wages if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League.
United have been erratic so far this season and currently lie outside the top four spots. In fact, if they finish in their current position, Manchester United will only be able to qualify for the Europa League next season.
However, the squad collectively stands to lose out on £14 million if they fail to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition. Even Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and his coaching staff are faced with a wage cut if the team does not qualify for the Champions League.
The £14 million cumulative figure means that each player is set to lose out on around £500,000 per annum, according to The Times‘ report.
Even finishing fourth may not be enough for United
Generally, England’s Champions League qualification berths are reserved for the teams that finish in the top four spots in the Premier League. However, if a team that has finished outside the top four wins the Champions League or the Europa League, they get direct qualification to the continent’s premier tournament irrespective of domestic league position, while the fourth placed team in England will proceed to the Europa League instead.
United currently sit in the fifth spot on the Premier League table, just one point behind arch rivals Manchester City. While there is a high likelihood of the Red Devils moving ahead of the Sky Blues with seven matches to go, it is the third spot on the table that guarantees the teams a Champions League berth.
However, Manchester United are seven points behind third-placed Arsenal and it looks too difficult a task for them to overtake the Gunners and confirm a Champions League spot at this late stage of the season.
