Manchester United’s implementation of the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo rule’ may pose challenges for Dan Ashworth.
Manchester United has been seeking to reduce their significant player salaries since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. This resulted in the introduction of a rule on player salaries that reportedly impacts the ambitions of the sporting director target, Dan Ashworth. Despite complications around Newcastle’s demands for a hefty compensation package, United appears confident about bringing Ashworth on board under the new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reshuffle, which includes the appointment of a new CEO and the search for a technical director role.
As Sir Jim Ratcliffe sets about his behind-the-scenes changes, potential transfers of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Juventus’ Gleison Bremer, and Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee to Old Trafford have been rumored. It is unclear how United’s ‘Cristiano Ronaldo rule’ will affect their pursuit of high-value targets. Lessons learned from Ronaldo’s second stint in the Premier League have led to senior United stars, including Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Raphael Varane, aligning their wage brackets.
However, the enforcement of the Ronaldo rule may prevent Ashworth from pursuing top-tier European stars using the club’s vast wealth. Manchester United’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed a desire for the club to pursue the next generation of talents like Kylian Mbappe or Jude Bellingham, rather than focusing on high-salary players. The club is expected to offload two high earners, including Anthony Martial and possibly Casemiro, to trim their wage bill.
