Man Utd wage bill soars after Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover and UCL qualification

12 March 2024 , 15:45

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Manchester United's wage bill has increased (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United's wage bill has increased by almost £100million.

The latest financial figures released have shown that staff costs have soared once again. Due to their participation in the Champions League instead of the Europa League, United's annual payroll has gone up by £95.1m.

Following the departure of David de Gea last summer, Casemiro is now their highest earner on £350,000 per week, with Raphael Varane (£340,000 per week), Marcus Rashford (£300,000 per week), Anthony Martial (£250,000 per week) and Mason Mount (£250,000 per-week) making up the top-five.

Despite the increased wage bill, United remain on course to break annual revenue records. After posting club-record revenues of £648.4m last year, the Red Devils are predicting to smash that figure again, with between £635m and £665m of revenues expected. Figures also show that £156m was paid in the club's bank following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 27.7 per cent takeover of United last month.

United chief financial officer, Cliff Baty, said: "We delivered strong revenues during the first half of the fiscal year, and have reiterated our guidance for record revenues for the full fiscal year. This is an exciting time at Manchester United following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment, and we are all focused on working together with our new co-owners to drive the club forward and deliver success on the pitch."

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Commercial revenue was down £6.9m and sponsorship revenue also dropped 22 per cent. Meanwhile, retail grew 15.2 per cent following the extension of United's deal with Adidas and the revenue made by the megastore. Around £9.6m was paid in transition fees relating to INEOS investment.

Manchester United's wage bill has increased by almost £100m (Getty Images)

On the pitch, United have endured a disappointing campaign and could miss out on Champions League football. The Red Devils currently sit sixth, six points adrift of Tottenham in fifth and eighth behind fourth-place Aston Villa.

However, United did return to winning ways on Saturday as they recorded a 2-0 victory over Everton to reignite their top-four hopes. Speaking after the match, Erik ten Hag told TNT Sports: "It was important. We had to put this right and keep the pressure on the teams above us. There are many games to play. Now we are back. We will keep pressure on them and see what happens."

United are next in action when they face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. With the Red Devils not in Europe and all-but out of the title race, the FA Cup is their last chance to win major silverware this season.

Jeremy Cross