Exclusive: There is NO Ronaldo Rule at Man Utd as Rashford deal progresses

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 17 Jan 2023 08:34 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Manchester United have not imposed a wage cap of £200k as the side progress on contract talks with Marcus Rashford in a deal that will go above the threshold, FootballTransfers has been told.

Reports suggested that the side had imposed a 'Ronaldo rule’ in which no one in the dressing room would earn over a certain wage bill to avoid jealousy among the squad.

But senior club sources have said that the story has come out of the blue and no such move has been brought in, with Marcus Rashford set to sign a new deal worth over £200k.

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We are told that the new deal with the striker is progressing well though there is no indication yet over when the contract will be finalised.

The Ronaldo rule was supposedly brought in after Cristiano Ronaldo, who had his contract terminated by mutual consent in November, was believed to be earning £480,000-per-week at Old Trafford.

The manner in which he left and the impact the Portugal international had on squad harmony was said to be one of the reasons why the club decided to implement the rule - but we are informed that it’s not the case and the wage structure will remain the same as it’s always been, with players able to earn over £200k if need be.

Youri Tielemans

Man Utd will not be able to sign a loan target from the Premier League this month - meaning the chances of getting the linked Youri Tielemans are diminished.

The Red Devils are banned from adding another domestic loanee due to Premier League rules as they already have Jack Butland (Crystal Palace) and Wout Weghorst (Burnley) on their books.

We understand that money is tight at Man Utd for this window and they only have enough funds to search the loan market this January. We are told, however, they will move for a right-back should Aaron Wan-Bissaka depart.

Tielemans’ contract at Leicester City is up in the summer but any sort of loan would not be allowed as per Premier League rules.

The Premier League handbook states: ‘There are restrictions on how many players Premier League clubs can loan from other Premier League/English clubs’ and that ‘Premier League clubs may not register more than two players on loan at any one time.’

It means that the club are unable to bring in a third player from any English side unless either Butland or Weghorst are shipped back to their respective clubs.

However, Man Utd can still look to the rest of Europe to bring in some talent on a temporary basis.