Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney compare Manchester United wages

Manchester United’s current wage structure continues to dominate discussion as the club prepares for what is expected to be a pivotal 2026 summer rebuild.

Supporters have been debating the contrast between past and present salaries, especially as several high-earning players face uncertain futures under the new long-term squad plan.

With financial discipline becoming a more significant factor at Old Trafford, comparisons between generations have resurfaced as younger United fans learn just how dramatically earnings have changed.

Casemiro’s situation, in particular, has highlighted the soaring salaries modern players command, especially now that the Brazilian has reportedly taken a reduction due to United missing out on European football this season.

Manchester United are looking to negotiate a further wage reduction should they agree to extend Casemiro’s contract.

And with several academy graduates pushing for more minutes, discussions about wages, value and performance have become even more relevant around Carrington.

It is within that context that a striking revelation from Gary Neville has resurfaced, offering a remarkable glimpse into what a former Manchester United captain once earned at his peak.

Gary Neville, who spent 19 years at Manchester United, winning 20 trophies and serving as club captain for five seasons, has been reflecting on his career following his recent Hall of Fame induction.

As a member of the Class of ’92 and a vital part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest sides, Neville has always been modest about his ability and contributions, something that reappeared in his latest discussion on The Overlap YouTube channel.

Speaking candidly on the show, Neville revealed: “That was 2009, my last contract at the club, I was on £1.75 million basic.”

Jamie Carragher immediately challenged the figure: “You were massively underpaid,” Carragher said.

Neville admitted he never pushed back: “Oh yeah, I always was.

“I used to just say, ‘yeah I’m happy, let’s get on with it’.”

Carragher then responded bluntly: “You should not be on that. I know it’s a lot of money, but that’s £30,000 per week in your prime in 2001.”

Neville’s £1.75 million annual salary equates to £30,000 per week, a figure dwarfed by modern contracts.

Wayne Rooney, in the same conversation, revealed he earned £17 million year which is around £325,000 per week in his biggest United deal, nearly ten times Neville’s peak salary.

The contrast becomes even sharper when compared with today’s squad.

Casemiro is United’s highest earner on around £350,000 per week.

Adjusted for inflation, Gary Neville’s £30,000-per-week wage in 2009 would be equivalent to around £47,700 per week in today’s money.

Neville’s honesty has reopened debates among supporters about value, loyalty, and how the financial landscape of football has shifted beyond recognition.