(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Ciaran Morrison

Tue 19 May 2026 17:30, UK

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Manchester United’s financial issues could deepen if they hand out significant pay increases to the whole squad.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, as Champions League qualification could earn players a 25% wage increase.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been trying to cut the wage bill since his arrival as co-owner of the club in 2024, amid growing debt and no European revenue.

Michael Carrick has led Man United back into the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign, and the 44-year-old is poised to become the club’s next permanent manager.

Champions League football will increase revenue at Man United, and be a significant boost for the Red Devils on and off the pitch.

Man United clause to ‘eat away at the cost structure’

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Man United have done the “wrong thing” by handing out wage increases.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that he has never seen a clause like it during his time in football.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s a very strange clause.

“I’ve seen bonuses for qualifying for the Champions League before and that sort of thing, but not pay increases at that level, which can eat away at the cost structure.

“I haven’t seen the full details to make sure this is correct. But if it is an across the board 25% pay increase, then that’s just a real problem for the club.

“It’s the wrong thing to have done. But let’s see. Hopefully it’s just a bonus, and it’s about those players that play in the Champions League.

“It’ll come down to the devil that will be in the detail, but it’s not something I’ve seen before.”

Michael Carrick braced for busy transfer window

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Man United believe they can compete with a lower wage bill than their rivals next season.

It comes as Carrick is faced with a big summer of transfer activity to strengthen his squad in preparation for their return to the Champions League.

Man United could look to add a new forward, midfielder, and a defender to their ranks, whilst the club look to offload the likes of Marcus Rashford to free up space in their wage bill.

Casemiro has already confirmed he will be leaving Old Trafford this summer, whilst striker Joshua Zirkzee could also leave the club in search of regular playing time.