Source: REUTERS/Phil Noble
[Saba Sports News] Halfway through this season’s Premier League schedule, Manchester United has accumulated 22 points from 19 matches, placing them 14th in the standings, 7 points clear of the relegation zone. However, according to British media reports, there are no relegation clauses in the contracts of Manchester United players. Even if the team were to be relegated, the players would still receive their current salaries as stipulated in their contracts. Historically, Manchester United has never included relegation clauses in player contracts. Since the inception of the Premier League, the club has never finished outside the top half of the table, let alone close to the relegation zone. When negotiating contracts, the focus has always been on bonuses for entering the Champions League, and being relegated to the second tier is almost unimaginable. If they miss out on the Champions League, players will see a 25% salary reduction, but the club does not negotiate relegation clauses when signing or renewing contracts. This means that even if relegation occurs, Manchester United’s wage expenditure will remain unchanged unless players are released. According to financial data disclosed last September, Manchester United’s wage bill for the 2023/24 season is £364.7 million. Following a 0-2 home defeat to Newcastle, Manchester United is now only 7 points above the relegation zone. After the match, coach Ruben Amorim admitted that it is “possible” for Manchester United to be fighting for survival.