Leading the list is Jadon Sancho, whose £250,000-a-week deal has become the clearest example of a costly misstep. Sancho has not played in the Premier League for United since August 2023, and with his loan to Aston Villa covering only part of his wages, United continue to shoulder a substantial percentage of his salary until the contract expires in 2026. Close behind, Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wage stands out as a potential obstacle to a permanent deal with abroad suitors, given his recent dip in form and loan spells.
Mason Mount follows, with mounting concerns over pay relative to on-field output, as injuries have limited his impact in recent seasons despite earning as much as £250,000 per week. Mason Mount’s situation underscores the broader tension between high wages and actual contribution. In a similar vein, Tyrell Malacia’s £75,000-a-week deal looks increasingly misaligned with his on-pitch impact, and his upcoming release marks a clean slate away from United’s books.
Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo occupy the middle of the list, with Maguire’s £190,000-per-week salary viewed as unsustainable on a reduced future deal given squad fitness and selection dynamics. Mainoo’s contract, still in its early years, is flagged as a potential risk if not aligned with his rising first-team role and market interest from top European clubs.
Casemiro, while valued for elite-level contributions, is notably excluded from the six-worst contracts discussed, illustrating that even high-performing deals can be judged differently in hindsight. The overarching takeaway is that United faces a need to recalibrate wage structures to balance existing commitments with future development, ensuring younger talents are incentivized and financial risk is mitigated as the club pursues stability and growth.
