Erik ten Hag will receive a £3 million incentive if he can lead Manchester United back into the Premier League’s top four and ensure the club’s return to the Champions League.
The Dutchman’s £9 million-a-year wage pales in comparison to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, with United’s new manager earning half as much.
However, the 52-year-deal old’s is chock-full of incentives, including a sizable bonus if Manchester United qualify for the Champions League.
According to sources, if United fails to qualify for the Champions League again, they will face debts of over £90 million.
Some of it would come from their £75 million-per-season jersey sponsorship with adidas, which would require the club to forfeit £25 million if they failed to earn Champions League football for the second season in a row.
There would also be millions of dollars in lost television revenue, prize money, and gate receipts.
The imminent possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford has also had a significant impact on United’s current finances, perhaps leaving the club with another six-figure loss.
A’significant number’ of Red Devils fans who purchased the new home shirt wanted the Portuguese legend’s name on the back.
The 37-year-image old’s was used extensively in the commercial campaign for new shirts, although this was well before Ronaldo decided to quit the club.
However, if the United number seven does depart the club, the club will face cries from supporters seeking refunds or replacement shirts.
‘People have started turning up at the megastore asking where they stand on a prospective trade if Ronaldo does go,’ a United insider stated.
‘United did the right thing by fans last year when he took over the No7 shirt, but with all due respect to Edinson Cavani, we’re talking completely different levels here.’
Fans who purchased Edinson Cavani shirts through United Direct or the megastore last season were given an exchange, although the volume of replacements may be greater this time around.