Rashford and Onana handed 25% Manchester United pay rises despite loan absence

Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana have each been awarded a 25% increase in their Manchester United wages, despite neither player featuring for the club during the previous season.

The rises are understood to have been triggered by a clause in their contracts linked to Manchester United qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, according to reports from Sport citing The Telegraph.

The salary increases come as Manchester United continue to deal with financial commitments inherited from previous decisions, with the club’s management viewing the continued payment of enhanced wages to players who did not represent the team last season as a restriction on their freedom in the transfer market.

Rashford spent the previous campaign on loan at Barcelona, where he enjoyed a productive season. The England forward scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists, helping the Catalan club win both La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

Barcelona had an option to sign Rashford permanently for €30m at the end of his loan spell. However, the club decided against activating that clause and instead strengthened its attack with the signings of Antony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

Reports suggest Barcelona’s decision was primarily influenced by Rashford’s high salary and concerns over the limited contribution he made defensively. The club therefore opted not to proceed with a permanent transfer, despite his goals and assists during the campaign.

Rashford has now returned to Manchester United following the conclusion of his loan. His continued presence at Old Trafford is being supported by manager Michael Carrick, who is keen for the forward to remain part of his squad.

Onana also remained away from Manchester United involvement during the previous season, but his contract has similarly brought a higher wage as a result of the club’s qualification for the Champions League.

The situation means Manchester United must continue to meet increased salary commitments for both players, even though neither represented the club during the campaign in question. Those obligations are regarded internally as part of the financial burden limiting the club’s ability to operate as freely as it would like in the transfer market.

For Rashford, the pay rise follows a season in which his performances for Barcelona contributed to domestic success, but also ended with the Spanish club declining the opportunity to make his transfer permanent.

His return to Manchester United, together with Carrick’s determination to keep him, leaves the forward facing a fresh chapter at the club. Meanwhile, the wage increases for Rashford and Onana underline the contractual costs Manchester United continue to carry as it prepares for the next season.