You would think the chance of winning a major European trophy and securing a place in next season's Champions League group stages were the only incentives Manchester United's players would need to motivate them ahead of next week's Europa League final against Ajax in Stockholm, but as it goes, there's also a pay rise bigger than Marouane Fellaini's first touch at stake.
As it transpires, United's failure to qualify for this season's Champions League resulted in the first team squad, excluding those earning less than £20,000 per week (Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe) and last summer's new signings having their wages reduced by 25%.
However, should Jose Mourinho's men triumph in Stockholm on 24th May, the affected players would see their wages increased back to what they were a year ago.
Will Mourinho be celebrating in Stockholm on 24th May? Image: PA
This pay rise would equate to an extra £38m being distributed back to the first team squad, according to a report in The Times, today.
While Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan would not be eligible for the pay rise, should United lose to Ajax, the quartet would see their wages slashed in keeping with their teammates' deductions, last year.
Pogba and Ibrahimovic (should he stay at Old Trafford, next season) could see their wages slashed by 25% if United lose to Ajax, next Wednesday. Image: PA
Such a wage cut would save the Old Trafford club roughly £9 million.
On top of the potential wage rise, there is also a £1 million bonus on the line which would be distributed among United's first team should they lift the Europa League for the first time in the club's history.
Following back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, United's hopes of qualifying for the 2017/18 Champions League were put to bed, with Jose Mourinho fielding under strength sides in both games in North London as the Portuguese manager opted to favour the Europa League route of qualifying for Europe's premiere club competition.
Can Marcus Rashford fire United back into the Champions League? Image: PA
Will Mourinho's gamble pay off though or will it end up costing his players?
Have your say in the comments section, below.
(H/T The Times)
Topics: Football, Manchester United