Manchester United stars face wage cuts of up to 25% if they don’t qualify for Champions League
Manchester United‘s stars could see their pay drop by as much as 25 per cent if they miss out on Champions League qualification.
And, according to The Sun, that could help Real Madrid as they look to bring midfielder Paul Pogba to the Santiago Bernabeu during the summer transfer window.
Contracts at Old Trafford are structured so that up to a quarter of wages are taken away if they do not earn a place in Europe’s elite club competition.
United are currently sixth in the Premier League and face a tough task on Wednesday night when they take on Barcelona in the Champions League.
Real would, therefore be encouraged to make a move if they do not qualify, having made Pogba a key summer target after Zinedine Zidane made it clear he wanted to work with his compatriot.
The 26-year-old has two years left on his United contract, which currently nets him £300,000 a week.
Reductions in wages are intended to protect United from the drop in revenue that comes with missing out on Champions League football.
That comes in contrast to other top teams in the Premier League. Arsenal and Manchester City instead add to pay packets after reaching the Champions League.