Premier League

Man United players quit as £700k wage cut sparks fresh rebuild

James Mugisha·01-07-2026·3 min read
Man United players quit as £700k wage cut sparks fresh rebuild

Six Manchester United players have walked out the door as Michael Carrick finalises his first permanent summer sign‑on. Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Sonny Aljofree, Malachi Sharpe and James Bailey all left after their contracts ran out, shaving a massive £700,000 off the Red Devils’ weekly wage bill.

Carrick’s brief stint at the helm has already turned United’s fortunes around. In just 18 games the side logged 12 wins, four draws and only two losses, lifting them to third in the league and securing a Champions League slot for next season. The ex‑Middlesbrough boss now wants to cement that momentum with a £35 million arrival, and the wage savings from Sancho and Casemiro make the cash‑flow easier.

How did the £700k wage cut happen?

Both Sancho and Casemiro were on £350,000 per week contracts – a tidy sum for any Premier League outfit. Their exits therefore removed £700,000 a week, or roughly £36 million a year, from United’s payroll.

Casemiro’s departure was confirmed back in January. The Brazilian midfielder, now 34, had become a fan favourite after lifting both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his four‑year spell. He stuck to his decision despite a chorus of supporters urging him to stay. Sancho’s contract simply ran its course and the winger opted to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

What does this mean for United’s rebuild?

The six departures open up space for Carrick’s next target – a £35 million signing that the club says will boost the squad for a return to Europe’s elite. With the wage bill trimmed, United can afford higher‑priced talent without breaching Financial Fair Play rules. Ugandan fans, many of whom follow the Premier League religiously, will be watching the transfer windows closely.

Tyrell Malacia, the Dutch left‑back, and the younger duo of Aljofree, Sharpe and Bailey also left as free agents. Their exits are less headline‑grabbing but still free up squad spots for emerging talent, possibly from Africa. A Ugandan striker could slip through this net, giving the nation more representation at Old Trafford – a tantalising thought for local supporters.

Will United’s wage cuts boost their Champions League chances?

Yes. By freeing up £700,000 a week, Carrick can redirect funds toward signings that address the gaps left by the departing players. Cutting the wage bill also reduces financial pressure, allowing the club to negotiate better terms for incoming talent.

What’s the next move for Manchester United?

Carrick’s next step is to plug the gaps left by the six exits with the announced £35 million signing, while scouting affordable talent to keep the wage bill sustainable. Ugandan fans can expect more headlines about United’s transfer activity.

People also ask: How many players left United in the summer?

Six players – Sancho, Casemiro, Malacia, Aljofree, Sharpe and Bailey – walked out on free transfers, saving the club £700,000 a week in wages.


Watch the Highlights

Source: Mirror

James Mugisha

James Mugisha

Contributor

James Mugisha is a contributor at ChampionSport.ug.

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