Manchester United finds itself at a crossroads. The club, once a dominant force in English and European football, is languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, facing what could be its worst league finish since relegation in 1974. Amid this turmoil, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner who acquired a 28.94% stake in the club through his INEOS group in February 2024, has been vocal about his concerns. In a recent interview with the BBC on March 10, 2025, Ratcliffe stated that some Manchester United players are “not good enough” and “probably overpaid,” singling out high-profile signings like Casemiro, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony, and Jadon Sancho as examples of an inherited squad he aims to reshape. His comments have sparked debate about the club’s wage structure and its correlation to on-field performance.
With a wage bill estimated at £183 million per year—second only to Manchester City in the Premier League—Manchester United’s financial commitments to its players are under scrutiny. Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures, including redundancies, slashed ambassador salaries, and reduced charity donations, reflect his determination to stabilize the club’s finances. Yet, the salaries of the highest-paid players remain a focal point of contention. Below, we delve into the top seven highest-paid Manchester United players in 2025, exploring their wages, contributions, and how they align with Ratcliffe’s vision for the club’s future.
1. Casemiro – £350,000 per week
Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder signed from Real Madrid for £60 million (rising to £70 million with add-ons) in the summer of 2022, tops the list as Manchester United’s highest earner. At £350,000 per week, his salary reflects his pedigree as a five-time Champions League winner. However, his performance has declined sharply since his debut season under Erik ten Hag, where he provided much-needed steel in midfield. Now 33, Casemiro’s mobility has waned, and his £300 million in outstanding transfer fee instalments (as noted by Ratcliffe) adds to the financial burden. Ratcliffe’s critique of Casemiro as “overpaid” and part of an inherited squad underscores the disconnect between his wages and current output. With United’s midfield struggling for dynamism, questions linger about whether Casemiro justifies his hefty paycheck.
2. Bruno Fernandes – £300,000 per week
Captain Bruno Fernandes, earning £300,000 per week, is a rare bright spot in Ratcliffe’s assessment. Signed from Sporting CP in January 2020, Fernandes has been a consistent performer, lauded by Ratcliffe as a “fantastic footballer” and a player the club “definitely needs.” His new contract, signed in August 2024, reflects his importance as the team’s creative hub. Despite a dip in form during the 2024-25 season—mirroring United’s broader struggles—Fernandes remains a leader on the pitch. At 30, his age suggests he has several peak years left, but his high salary places pressure on him to elevate a faltering squad. Ratcliffe’s praise indicates Fernandes is safe from the chopping block, though his wage demands accountability in results.
3. Mason Mount – £250,000 per week
Mason Mount’s £250,000 weekly wage has raised eyebrows since his £55 million move from Chelsea in 2023. Injuries have plagued his tenure at Old Trafford, limiting his impact and leaving fans questioning his value. When fit, Mount offers versatility and work rate, but his output—goals and assists—has been underwhelming compared to his Chelsea days. Ratcliffe has not explicitly named Mount in his critiques, but the midfielder’s salary places him in the crosshairs of the co-owner’s mission to trim excess costs. At 26, Mount has time to prove his worth, but his current trajectory suggests he’s among the players Ratcliffe might view as overcompensated for their contributions.
4. Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000 per week
Signed from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024 for £38.5 million, Matthijs de Ligt earns £195,000 per week. The Dutch centre-back was brought in to bolster a leaky defense, reuniting with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag. Under new boss Ruben Amorim, De Ligt has shown glimpses of his quality, but inconsistency and United’s porous backline have tempered optimism. At 25, he’s a long-term investment, yet his salary ranks him among the club’s elite earners. Ratcliffe’s focus on inherited signings doesn’t directly implicate De Ligt, as he arrived under INEOS’s watch, but his wage demands scrutiny if United’s defensive woes persist.
5. Harry Maguire – £190,000 per week
Harry Maguire, once the world’s most expensive defender at £80 million in 2019, earns £190,000 per week. The 32-year-old has faced relentless criticism for his lack of pace and occasional errors, though he’s regained some favor under Amorim with improved performances. United triggered a one-year extension in his contract in early 2025, keeping him until 2026, but his salary remains a relic of a bygone era when he was seen as a cornerstone. Ratcliffe’s push for financial efficiency could see Maguire’s future debated, especially as younger, cheaper options like De Ligt and Leny Yoro emerge. His wage, while not the highest, exemplifies the legacy costs Ratcliffe aims to address.
6. Kobbie Mainoo – £180,000 per week
Rising star Kobbie Mainoo, at just 19, earns an impressive £180,000 per week following a contract renewal in late 2024. The academy graduate has been a revelation, blending composure with dynamism in midfield. His salary reflects United’s belief in his potential as a future cornerstone, and Ratcliffe has not targeted him in his critiques—likely viewing Mainoo as part of the “future” rather than the “past.” While his wage is substantial for his age, Mainoo’s performances suggest he’s a rare case of value for money. If he continues to develop, he could justify every penny and more.
7. Jadon Sancho – £150,000 per week (on loan)
Jadon Sancho, signed for £73 million from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, earns £150,000 per week—or at least, United pays half that amount while he’s on loan at Chelsea in 2025. Ratcliffe specifically called out Sancho as an overpaid inherited signing, noting the club’s £17 million summer outlay to offload him temporarily. Once a prodigious talent, Sancho’s United career soured amid disciplinary issues and underwhelming performances. Now 25, his future lies away from Old Trafford, with Chelsea obligated to buy him permanently. His salary, even halved, symbolizes the wasteful spending Ratcliffe is desperate to move beyond.