In an era where footballers’ salaries often defy logic, the latest headlines surrounding Danish striker Rasmus Højlund have stunned even the most seasoned observers of the transfer market. The 22-year-old, who joined Manchester United from Atalanta just a year ago, is now the center of controversy after reports emerged claiming he is demanding a jaw-dropping wage package to remain at Old Trafford amid contract restructuring talks.
According to several leaked reports circulating online, Højlund’s representatives have made it clear: he wants £375,000 per week – a figure that has been described by insiders as “outrageous,” “unrealistic,” and “something that looks like a typo.” Whether a negotiating tactic or a statement of self-belief, this demand has opened a Pandora’s box of criticism, speculation, and debate around the young striker’s value, mindset, and future at Manchester United.
From Wonderkid to Wage Warrior: The Højlund Journey So Far
Rasmus Højlund arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2023, a relatively unknown name to many outside Serie A. Yet, within months, he became one of the most discussed forwards in English football. Touted as “the Scandinavian Haaland,” United spent over £72 million to bring him in from Atalanta, betting big on his raw talent and potential.
The early months were challenging. Højlund struggled to find the net in the Premier League and often appeared isolated in a misfiring United side. However, by mid-season, the Danish forward began to silence doubters. A run of goals in both domestic and European competitions saw him finish the season with 17 goals in all competitions, including crucial strikes in the Champions League group stages and a memorable winner in the Manchester derby.
Despite this uptick in form, Højlund’s season wasn’t without inconsistency. His performances often mirrored United’s – bright moments amidst tactical confusion and lack of fluidity. As the club stumbled to a fifth-place finish and another trophyless campaign, questions loomed not just over the coaching staff, but also over which players were genuinely world-class – and which were overvalued.
The Wage Demands: “£375,000 a Week – Are They Serious?”
Fast forward to summer 2025, and with a new ownership structure at Old Trafford and an expected overhaul of the wage bill, Højlund’s camp has reportedly demanded a renegotiation of his contract to reflect what they perceive as his growing stature in the team.
But when the wage figure of £375,000 per week was mentioned during preliminary negotiations, sources within the club were left stunned.
“It looks like a typo,” one United executive allegedly told The Athletic. “He’s a good player, no doubt, but those are numbers reserved for established global superstars.”
To put this into context:
- Bruno Fernandes earns around £240,000 per week.
- Marcus Rashford, after his recent renewal, takes home around £300,000 per week.
- Højlund’s current salary is believed to be £80,000 per week.
A jump to £375,000 would represent a 368% increase, and immediately place him among the top 10 highest-paid players in the Premier League.
The Fans React: “Who Does He Think He Is?”
The backlash from fans has been immediate and ferocious. On platforms like Twitter (now X), Reddit, and fan forums like RedCafe, Manchester United supporters have expressed disbelief, anger, and even mockery over the reports.
Popular fan tweets include:
- “Rasmus Højlund demanding 375k a week is like asking for a private jet after learning how to ride a bicycle.”
- “Love the guy’s passion, but he hasn’t earned that kind of money. Not even close.”
- “This better be a joke. He’s had 5 good months, and suddenly he’s prime Cristiano?”
On Reddit, the post titled “Højlund’s Wage Demand – Is He Out of His Mind?” quickly gained traction with comments such as:
- “If we cave in to this, we’re back to the Sanchez and Pogba days.”
- “This is exactly why United keep getting mugged off in the transfer and wage market.”
The Club’s Stance: A Line in the Sand?
It’s understood that Manchester United’s new sporting leadership, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, is keen to implement a more performance-based wage structure and prevent another bloated payroll situation like the one that plagued the club during the post-Ferguson years.
A source close to the club told The Times:
“We value Højlund. He’s part of our future. But these wage demands are completely disproportionate to his current level. If he wants to stay, we expect him to show some realism.”
Reports suggest United would be willing to raise his wage to £120,000 per week – a 50% increase – but nothing beyond that unless he continues to demonstrate elite-level consistency over the next season.
Højlund’s Perspective: A Confidence Misinterpreted?
From Højlund’s side, the story is being painted differently. According to his representatives, the striker feels undervalued given his growing importance to the squad, the transfer fee paid for him, and the fact that he often carried United’s attack when Rashford and others underperformed.
“Rasmus has ambitions to be one of the best strikers in the world,” his agent reportedly told a Danish outlet. “He wants to be rewarded like someone who is central to United’s future.”
However, critics argue that ambition must be balanced with merit—and Højlund, while promising, still has a long way to go before justifying such astronomical figures.
The Bigger Picture: United’s Wage Culture Under Scrutiny Again
This episode is symptomatic of a wider issue at Manchester United—an identity crisis around wages, performance, and accountability. Over the last decade, the club has overpaid for mediocrity and failed to adequately reward consistent excellence.
From Alexis Sánchez’s £500,000-a-week disaster to the inflated deals of Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek, United have often been the cautionary tale of how not to structure wages. The current leadership aims to reverse that trend, and Højlund’s case may be the first true test of whether the new regime has the backbone to enforce long-term reform.
Could This Lead to a Shock Exit?
While it’s premature to suggest that wage demands could lead to a transfer, the football world has learned to expect the unexpected. PSG, Bayern Munich, and even Real Madrid have reportedly monitored Højlund’s development from afar. If contract talks break down entirely, United could find themselves faced with a decision: negotiate or sell.
With strikers at a premium in today’s market, and Højlund still just 22 with resale value, there could be clubs willing to match his demands—though it’s unlikely any elite side would go near the £375,000-a-week mark without seeing him perform consistently at the highest level.
Final Thoughts: Typo or Ticking Time Bomb?
Whether Rasmus Højlund’s wage demands were a deliberate negotiation tactic, a miscalculation, or simply a miscommunication, one thing is clear: they’ve sparked a firestorm. The suggestion that a promising but unproven young forward should earn wages on par with global superstars has rattled Manchester United fans and challenged the club’s new wage policy direction.
In the end, this may not be about money at all. It could be about ego, status, leverage, or timing. But whatever it is, Manchester United must tread carefully. Cave in, and they risk reopening the Pandora’s box of reckless contracts. Refuse outright, and they could alienate a player they’ve invested heavily in.
For now, the numbers might look like a typo—but the fallout is very real.
