Gary Neville has labelled Manchester United’s new club-wide salary cap as “radical” and is worried that it could turn off potential targets in the transfer market.
With the January transfer window underway and United having already secured the services of Jack Butland as their back-up goalkeeper, they are now said to be looking at bolstering their attacking options following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, as per reports by the MailOnline, manager Erik ten Hag is apparently implementing a £200k-a-week wage cap, with no current or future player allowed to earn beyond this threshold.
Responding to the news, the club legend turned pundit and Salford City owner suggested the move is a rather severe step and one that could rule out big signings.
Not sure why any radical new policy is being introduced IF new owners are imminent https://t.co/aI7EzmoOTk
As detailed in the piece, the following players who are currently on over £200k-a-week are reportedly set to take pay cuts in the coming weeks, with long-time servant David de Gea the first to face a reduction:
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David de Gea – £375k
Jadon Sancho – £350k
Raphael Varane – £340k
Casemiro – £300k
Anthony Martial – £250k
Bruno Fernandes – £240k
Neville goes on to argue that not only does the wage cap — not unlike that in place at the likes of Spurs (Harry Kane the highest-earner on £200k) — mean that they could lose out on big names like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, but it hints that the Glazers aren’t as close to selling as fans would hope.
While ten Hag’s aim is clearly to garner further solidarity by eliminating financial rifts between players, especially given various members of the current squad were acquired under different regimes, the former United and England right-back believes it will take them out of the running for marquee signings.
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Capping wages is a radical policy. Rules out Rice , Bellingham and others in that bracket. Any new owners would probably want to enter the running for these types and probably Mbappe as well. Anyway enjoy Sunday https://t.co/tnHZMEc3zH
Responding to a commenter who argued that this kind of system should have already been in place regardless of the current ownership, the 47-year-old went on to note that neighbours Man City had a similar system in place until the prospect of generational talents like Erling Haaland became available.
He also warned that it could prove a ‘strange’ and problematic policy having multiple key players like de Gea, Casemiro and Raphael Varane on more than £200k in the current dressing room, who will now have to accept a pay decrease should they want to stay at the club.
On the other hand, it seems clear that the Dutch coach wants to avoid future CR7-esque situations in the future, i.e. when a spiralling and already volatile budget fluctuates depending on the flavour of the month/inflated market and ultimately disturbs the overall equilibrium within the camp.
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More importantly, speaking in a recent interview, the former Ajax man reiterated that cost doesn’t always correlate with quality:
Ten Hag: “Most purchases have been average – and at #mufc average is not good enough. United's shirt weighs heavily. Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here.”
For now, at least, the rationale seems to be that United’s salary restructuring signals a desire from ten Hag to be shrewder and more strategic when it comes to new signings, rather than simply paying the premium when a player’s stock skyrockets.
The United wage cap is long overdue in the eyes of many fans, with one person remarking that “too many players are being paid way too much for what they’ve delivered”, adding that “ten Hag doing a great job and improving players and the culture around the club.”
On the other hand, many noted that if this new limit is set to be introduced, it will likely be a base rate with players still able to earn beyond that sum through appearance and goal bonuses etc.
What do you think, good or bad idea? Either way, ten Hag certainly looks to be putting his foot down.
Antony‘s case is still ongoing, with a total of three women coming out to accuse him of domestic abuse — chiefly, his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who was first to raise concerns surrounding his alleged behaviour — but his cooperation through the investigation has led them to revise their position.
Issuing an update on Friday morning confirming that the forward with be brought back into the fold until the situation is resolved.
A club statement reads as follows: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Erik ten Hag‘s side plays their second game against Crystal Palace in less than a week after beating them 3-0 in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and while it is not thought Antony will be brought straight back into the team, he will be available for selection moving forward.
United currently sit ninth in the Premier League with three wins and three losses to their name.
Man United to play Newcastle in Carabao Cup fourth round after Magpies knock out Man City
Danny Jones
Last season’s Carabao Cup winners, Man United, now know their opponents for the next round after Newcastle United beat Man City 1-0 on Wednesday night, meaning both 2022/23 finalists will once again be meeting each other.
Either way, Alexander Isak’s single goal in the game at St James’ Park was enough to see the Magpies make it past the treble-winners despite a dominant first-half display from the away side.
City had been on top throughout and had plenty chances of their own.
After receiving a yellow card during the game, the night ended with Guardiola fuming at referee Chris Kavanagh and exchanging more than a few words after the full-time whistle.
Clearing the moment up with reporters after the game, Pep said: “I don’t know how many fouls they did, how many fouls we had and the number of yellow cards, but it is what it is — sometimes the emotions are there. Respect for the referees and their job, a well-deserved yellow card.”
Nevertheless, the result has led to a repeat of last year’s culminating cup tie which, despite coming much earlier in the competition this time around, will see United facing off against a high-flying Newcastle team who just put eight goals past Sheffield United on this past Sunday.
The Magpies’ manager, Eddie Howe, has already said he and his side are aiming to “go one better” than they did last year and with the form they’re displaying at the moment — especially with United’s stuttering start — they stand a pretty good chance.
🗣 "We want to try and go one further if we can but there's a long way to go."
Elsewhere amongst the Premier League sides remaining in the competition, West Ham will host Arsenal, Bournemouth will play Liverpool at home and Sean Dyche’s Everton will play his old club Burnley.
Further down the footballing pyramid, Fulham visit Championship side Ipswich, Chelsea will host Blackburn and at least two other EFL sides will make it to the quarter-finals, with Mansfield at home to Port Vale and Exeter playing Middlesbrough.
All fourth-round ties are set to take place in the week commencing 30 October.
You can watch the highlights of Newcastle United vs Manchester City down below.
Danny Jones -
10th January 2023 
