Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

Man United oppose Premier League salary cap amid fears top stars could leave

Originally posted on HITC | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 2:53 PM ET

Manchester United are set to be part of a Premier League vote on a proposed salary cap, with discussions expected to take place as early as next month.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over as co-owner, Ineos has brought in several cost-cutting measures. After years of financial issues under the Glazers, it’s not surprising to see changes being made.

As part of those changes, more than 300 employees were let go and match ticket prices have also gone up for members.

United are hoping these moves will eventually lead to more money available for transfers. The club has started testing E-Bars at matches, building on a successful trial during the 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break.

But a new rule proposal in the Premier League could make things tougher for clubs like United when it comes to signing players.

Man Utd not backing Premier League salary cap plans

A new salary cap could be introduced to the Premier League as soon as next month. All 20 clubs are expected to have a say on whether the measure goes ahead, but there are already signs of opposition.

United and Manchester City have voiced their concerns, with fears that a salary cap could impact the league’s standing compared to other top European competitions.

Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Executives worry it could lead to players looking elsewhere, including England captain Harry Kane. “This will kill the status as the best league in the world and all the money that brings,” one executive told the Mail. “It feels like we are being sleepwalked into disaster.”

The main issue is that English clubs would struggle to match wages offered by top teams on the continent. This could put pressure on United players like Bruno Fernandes if overseas clubs make offers hard to refuse.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stance on the salary cap proposal

Sir Jim Ratcliffe hasn’t held back in expressing his concerns about how a ‘salary cap’ could negatively impact the Premier League.

“[Anchoring] would inhibit the top clubs in the Premier League,” Ratcliffe said, as quoted by the Mail.

“And the last thing you want is for the top clubs in the Premier League not to be able to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG – that’s absurd. And if it does, it then ceases to be the finest league in the world.”

Ratcliffe’s comments are probably a strong indication of how Manchester United will vote when it comes time to decide on these proposed changes.

The PFA reportedly views this proposal as a hard salary cap and believes there will be significant challenges in getting it implemented.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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