Manchester United's legacy contracts are slowing them down in the transfer market. The club's summer of 2023 was marred by struggles to move players out the door, primarily due to clauses in their contracts that meant their wages would jump by 25% following qualification for the Champions League.
What happened?
The club's new policy requires players to earn a 25% pay rise by playing in at least 60% of the minutes in the season. This change was made to address the challenges of moving players out the door, particularly those who had struggled for regular playing time or were surplus to requirements.
Why it matters for Manchester United
The new policy has helped to explain some of the legacy issues with which the club are still wrestling this summer, including around Marcus Rashford and Onana. Rashford's wages have been one obstacle to a sale so far this summer, despite being on loan at Barcelona last season and not contributing to United getting back into the Champions League.
What comes next?
The club's next fixture is against Hull City on August 22, and it remains to be seen how the new policy will affect their transfer dealings. Manchester United are currently 14 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race, with 69 goals scored and 50 conceded this season.
