Manchester United Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in 2025 – Manchester United remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world and not just for its rich history and global fanbase, but also for its ability to attract some of the game’s biggest names. With the arrival of new signings and the departure of long-serving stars, the wage structure at Old Trafford in 2025 looks very different compared to just a few seasons ago.
As the Red Devils rebuild under fresh management, their salary commitments highlight both the investment in experienced leaders like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, as well as the growing trust in younger talents breaking into the first team. Understanding who earns what at United offers fascinating insight into how the club balances financial muscle with footballing ambition.
In this article, we’ll break down Manchester United top 10 highest-paid players in 2025, explain their impact on the squad, and analyze whether these wages truly reflect their performances on the pitch. We’ll also compare United’s wage bill to other Premier League giants and answer the most searched questions fans ask about player salaries at Old Trafford.
Fans and analysts are asking: Who are the Red Devils’ top earners today, and do their wages reflect their contributions on the pitch? Let’s break it down.
Manchester United Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in 2025 – Full Breakdown
1. Casemiro – £350,000 per week / £18.2m per year
Casemiro remains Manchester United’s highest-paid player in 2025. Signed from Real Madrid in 2022, the Brazilian midfield general came with a glittering CV: five Champions League titles and a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
United’s decision to hand him a massive £350k-a-week wage was controversial at first, especially given his age. But Casemiro’s leadership and big-game mentality have often justified the price tag. Even though he is now in his 30s, he remains manager’s trusted figure in the middle of the park.
- Background: Signed from Real Madrid in 2022 to add experience.
- Why so high? Winning pedigree (5 Champions Leagues), leadership, still among United’s most reliable midfielders.
- Discussion of whether his wages are sustainable given his age.
Still, questions linger about whether United should consider lowering its wage bill by moving him on in the next two years.
2. Bruno Fernandes – £300,000 per week / £15.6m per year
The captain and creative heart of Manchester United Bruno Fernandes, is the second-highest earner at Old Trafford currently. Since joining Sporting Lisbon in 2020, Bruno has been directly involved in over 100 goals across competitions.
His influence is undeniable. Fernandes dictates tempo, takes penalties, and often delivers when United needs a spark. His new contract extension in 2023 locked him in at £300k per week, keeping him away from lucrative Saudi Pro League offers.
- Captain since 2023, creative hub.
- Justification: His goals + assists record.
- Extended until 2027 with top-tier wages after rejecting Saudi interest.
For fans, his wage is well-earned. He is arguably United’s most consistent performer since he arrived.
3. Mason Mount – £250,000 per week / £13m per year
Mount’s transfer from Chelsea in 2023 raised eyebrows, especially at £55m plus add-ons. His £ 250,000 wage immediately placed him among United’s top earners.
Unfortunately, injuries slowed his first season, but the manager has hinted at rebuilding Mount into a more advanced attacking midfielder role. The expectation is that he will rediscover the form that made him a Champions League winner at Chelsea.
- Joined from Chelsea in 2023.
- Wage rise reflects England international pedigree.
- His injury struggles but his is expected to rebuild him into midfield core.
At only 26, United see Mount as a long-term project worth the investment.
4. Matthijs de Ligt – £195,000 per week / £10.1m per year
Matthijs de Ligt, joined from Bayern Munich in 2024. At £195k a week, he is among the best-paid defenders in the Premier League.
De Ligt is still just 25 but already carries years of top-level experience, having captained Ajax at 19 and played in Italy and Germany. His presence is expected to solidify United’s backline.
- Brought in to stabilize United’s defense.
- He was Bayern’s captain in waiting before they convinced him.
- Still young (25), wages reflect investment in leadership.
For this salary, United expects him to become a defensive leader for the next decade.
5. Harry Maguire – £190,000 per week / £9.9m per year
Harry Maguire’s wage has always been a topic of debate among fans. He signed this lucrative contract under Ole Gunnar Solskjær after joining for £80m from Leicester City.
While he has endured criticism for his performances, Maguire has regained some confidence with more consistent minutes. Still, many argue that his nearly £200k-a-week wage does not match his role as a rotation players.
- Longest-serving senior defender.
- Wages reflect his contract renewal during Solskjær’s era.
- Debate among fans: is he still value for money?
Selling him could free up funds, but his experience and leadership still make him valuable.
6. Matheus Cunha – £180,000 per week / £9.4m per year
Cunha’s arrival from Wolves in 2024 was huge, not only because of his ability but because he inherited Rashford’s famous No. 10 shirt.
At £180k per week, he is being paid as a key forward, and his combination with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund could define United’s attack for years.
- New arrival from Wolves, handed Rashford’s iconic No. 10 shirt.
- Wages show United’s long-term belief in him.
- Expected to form an attacking trio with Garnacho & Højlund.
Fans will watch closely to see if he lives up to both the shirt and the salary.
7. Luke Shaw – £150,000 per week / £7.8m per year
A loyal servant, Luke Shaw has been at United for over a decade. Despite constant injury setbacks, when fit, he remains one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.
- At the club for over a decade.
- Injury-prone but still first-choice left-back when fit.
- Wages reflect loyalty and senior status.
His £150k wage reflects his senior status and loyalty, but fans hope he can stay injury-free.
8. Andre Onana – £140,000 per week / £7.3m per year
Onana arrived from Inter Milan in 2023, replacing David De Gea, who once earned a staggering £375k per week.
His £140k salary is modest compared to De Gea’s, but still significant for a goalkeeper. His ability with the ball at his feet suits the system, though his early errors drew criticism.
- Signed from Inter Milan in 2023 as De Gea’s replacement.
- Big wages for a goalkeeper but significantly less than De Gea’s peak £375,000/week.
- Still adapting to Premier League consistency.
If he can cut out mistakes, Onana could prove a bargain at this wage.
9. Academy Standouts (e.g., Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo) – ~£40k–£100k per week
These young talents operate under lower wages but carry massive potential. They represent United’s strategy toward youth development and long-term squad balance.
Note: Alejandro Garnacho is not included anymore, as he has been sold to Chelsea for around £40 million, marking one of United’s biggest academy exit deals in years
Manchester United Top 10 Highest-Paid Players (2025, Reflecting Recent Departures)
For the 2024-25 season, reports estimate the total wage bill was approximately £172–195 million—ranking among the Premier League’s highest. Player and Wage Breakdown (2025)
Based on the most recent reports:
Casemiro – £350,000/week — United’s highest current earner.
Bruno Fernandes – £300,000/week — Club captain and creative hub.
Mason Mount – £250,000/week — Key midfield signing in for rebuild.
Matheus Cunha – £180,000/week — New summer signing from Wolves.
Matthijs de Ligt – ~£195,000/week — Defensive reinforcement signed earlier.
Harry Maguire – ~£190,000/week — Experienced central defender.
Luke Shaw – £150,000/week — Veteran full-back still on top wages.
Christian Eriksen – £150,000/week — Midfield stalwart matched with Shaw.
New One or Tie—With Marcus Rashford on loan, the tenth top earner is likely among others, still at United or a high earner. We’ll review pending data, but ensure we exclude Rashford.
FAQs About Manchester United Top 10 Highest-Paid Players
Who is United’s highest-paid player in 2025?
Casemiro, earning £350,000 weekly.
Who earns the most among new signings?
Mason Mount, at £250,000 per week.
Has Alejandro Garnacho left United?
Yes—He transferred to Chelsea for approximately £40 million.
Was Antony still at the club?
No—He joined Real Betis in 2025.
What about academy players like Mainoo or Diallo?
They remain key future assets, earning modest wages—suggesting a balanced wage bill growth strategy.