Bruno Fernandes recently signed a bumper new contract with Man United. As a result, the Old Trafford club need to find ways to cover the cost – and are prepared to let several members of their squad leave.
The midfielder’s new deal is worth around £250,000-per-week, according to talkSPORT. United themselves say that the contract extends Fernandes’ stay in Manchester until the end of the 2025/2026 season, with an option to add an additional year.
As a result, Fernandes reportedly doubles his weekly wage, placing him among United’s top earners. As per The Athletic, Bruno’s deal can go up to £15 million per year. That puts him fifth on Man United’s wage list.
First is fellow Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo; his deal is reportedly worth a staggering £26.2 million a year. A distant second is David de Gea. Jadon Sancho then follows him, whilst centre-back Raphael Varane pips Fernandes to the fourth spot on £15.8 million a year.
With United forking out such eye-watering figures to their stars, it is unsurprising that they are looking to cut their spending in other areas. According to the Daily Mirror, four players are heavily linked with leaving, which could save United a hefty sum of money.
Paul Pogba
The France international has had a mixed stint with Man United since re-joining in 2016. Like previous seasons, Pogba has suffered from injury; he has missed 14 games this term with a hamstring problem. Furthermore, his play has often received as much criticism as praise.
Speculation has often linked Pogba with a move away, too – PSG and Real Madrid both regularly rumoured. If he decides to leave at the end of his deal this summer, United will stand to save a considerable amount in wages by not having to pay the Frenchman.
Edinson Cavani
Cavani has only played 761 minutes in all competitions for United this season and has struggled with injuries. The veteran striker has not had an impactful 2021/2022. According to Manchester Evening News, Cavani could go to Barcelona if they are interested – however, he may return to South America.
Juan Mata
In the twilight of his career, Juan Mata has recently suffered from a severe lack of playing time. This term, the Spaniard has made just five appearances for the Old Trafford side. However, he is still one of the more significant earners at the club. Mata is rumoured to leave United at the end of the season; allowing him to leave would remove a substantial amount from the wage bill.
Jesse Lingard
Despite a successful loan spell at West Ham in 2020/2021, Jesse Lingard has not had an enormous impact on the season. In a Man United attacking midfield that includes Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Elanga, among others, Lingard has struggled for minutes.
The England international has played a lowly 392 minutes across all competitions for United – so he may end up moving elsewhere. He was linked with Newcastle in January; other Premier League sides would surely want to take a chance on Lingard on a free transfer.
If these four players all leave Old Trafford, The Athletic claim that United would cut around £750,000 a week off their wage bill. That more than compensates for the new Bruno Fernandes deal. In addition, it leaves the door open for Man United to make some new signings.
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