Celta Vigo set to pay Manchester United financial penalty

Manchester United have a memorable history with Celta Vigo, having faced the Spanish club during their victorious 2016/17 Europa League campaign.

Under Jose Mourinho, United reached the semi-finals after eliminating Saint-Etienne, Rostov and Anderlecht in the knockout stages.

They subsequently encountered Celta, with Marcus Rashford scoring a sensational free-kick to secure a 1-0 victory in Spain.

Marouane Fellaini then opened the scoring in the second leg at Old Trafford, before Facundo Roncaglia equalised to create a nervy finish.

United eventually progressed 2-1 on aggregate, surviving a dramatic late opportunity for former Manchester City striker John Guidetti.

Mourinho’s side went on to defeat Ajax 2-0 in Stockholm, with Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scoring to secure United’s first Europa League trophy.

The clubs have maintained an interesting relationship since that European encounter.

Last November, Celta even mocked United on social media following their impressive five-match winning streak.

However, their most significant recent connection arrived during the summer transfer window.

United loaned goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to Celta Vigo in August, with an option to make the transfer permanent.

The Turkish international had fallen behind Senne Lammens in Michael Carrick’s plans, while Karl Darlow’s arrival further limited his opportunities.

Now, the Spanish club could face financial consequences relating to that agreement.

Celta Vigo face Manchester United penalty

According to Spanish newspaper La Voz de Galicia, Manchester United inserted a financial penalty clause into Bayindir’s loan agreement.

The condition is linked to his playing time, meaning Celta must pay United more if the goalkeeper does not receive sufficient minutes.

Unfortunately for the Spanish side, Bayindir has yet to make a single competitive appearance this season.

Romanian goalkeeper Ionut Radu has established himself as Claudio Giraldez’s undisputed first choice, starting regularly in La Liga and the Europa League.

Celta initially considered using Bayindir in European competition to rest Radu and reduce their potential financial liability.

However, Radu has started all three Europa League fixtures, leaving the United loanee without an appearance.

United had previously included a special playing-time condition to protect Bayindir’s development.

The precise financial penalty has not been disclosed, and Celta could still reduce their liability by giving him opportunities before the season ends.

Nevertheless, his continued absence could prove costly for the Spanish club.