Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly has clauses written into his contract with Manchester United which could earn him millions of pounds extra this season. Ronaldo took a pay cut to rejoin his former club from Juventus last month, but he can boost his earnings at United due to some performance-based bonuses.
The 36-year-old striker made a perfect start to his second spell at Old Trafford, scoring twice as United beat Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday.
He reacted quickest to tap in a rebound after Freddie Woodman spilt Mason Greenwood’s deflected shot for 1-0 before smashing in a second through the Newcastle goalkeeper’s legs after the break to make it 2-1.
Bruno Fernandes and Jesse Lingard then made the game safe and ensured Javier Manquillo’s goal counted for little as the home crowd went home happy on the momentous occasion.
Ronaldo’s first goals for United in 12 years were celebrated by fans all across the world, the vast majority of whom will be delighted the Portuguese star is back in Manchester.
Last month he signed a two-year contract, with the option of a third, when he joined from Juventus for an initial fee of £12.85million (€15m, which could rise by a further £6.86m (€8m) due to add-ons
The Daily Star reports his salary is worth a basic £475,000 per week.
Although that is comfortably the most of any player at the club or in the Premier League – United keeper David de Gea pulls in £375,000 per week – it is said to be a massive reduction on the £900,000-a-week he earned in total per week at Juventus.
However, the newspaper says that, while Ronaldo is paid less at United, he can top up his earnings by £1million, should any of these three things happen this season: Manchester United win the Champions League in 2021/22, Ronaldo scoops a sixth Ballon d’Or, or he earns the UEFA Player of the Year gong.
Considering all the accolades he has already won in his illustrious career – and the way he has started at Old Trafford – you would not bet against him.
Following his impressive first match under his former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s management, Ronaldo took to social media to address his fans.
“My return to Old Trafford was just a brief reminder of why this stadium is known as the Theatre of Dreams,” he wrote on Instagram.
“For me, it has always been a magical place where you can achieve everything you set your mind into.
“Along with all my team-mates and with the amazing support that we always get from the stands, we face the road ahead with confidence and optimism that we’ll all be celebrating together in the end.
“Proud to be back at Man United and playing in the Premier League once again, but above all, happy to help the team! Let’s go, Devils!”
(Express UK)
