Manchester United are likely to absorb any loss in matchday income for this season within existing revenues rather than try to soften the blow through player wage deferrals or cuts.

But United may revisit the issue of salary reductions for players and senior executives in the event the club are forced to repay TV money or matches next season have to be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus crisis.

United have a minimum of five home games still to play this season - four in the Premier League and at least one in the Europa League against LASK, whom they hold a 5-0 advantage over from the first leg of their Round of 16 tie.

Matchday income at Old Trafford across 26 games generated £110.82 million last season - the equivalent of £4.26m per match.

Based on those figures, United stand to lose around £21.3m in matchday income if the season is to finish behind closed doors - and potentially more if they reach the Europa League quarter-finals and semi-finals, which would involve two more home fixtures should the competition be completed in full.

United have already confirmed that season ticket holders will be offered a pro-rata rebate against their season tickets for next season or pro-rata cash refunds based on the number of games remaining.

Rebates and refunds will also apply to supporters that have paid in advance for general admission tickets and VIP packages.

United - who have not furloughed any staff and continue to pay all of their 940 employees in full - remain in constructive, open dialogue with their first team players over the issue of wage reductions.

Harry Maguire, the United captain, is involved in weekly discussions with Ed Woodward, the club’s executive vice-chairman, and other senior officials on the matter and other issues.

But it is understood the situation regarding deferrals and cuts could change if the television broadcasters demand a rebate should the season not finish and United are forced to reduce expenditure. The rebate package across the 20 Premier League clubs is estimated to total £762m - £371m to Sky Sports, £50m to BT and £341m to an assortment of international broadcasters.

Equally, if the current campaign is finished behind closed doors and matches continue to be played without fans into next season, it is thought that could also force a reappraisal.

In addition to ticket sales and hospitality, matchday income comprises revenue from programme sales, the club’s museum, a share of ticket revenue from domestic away cup matches and Old Trafford hosting other sports and entertainment events.

United’s wage bill stood at £332.3m for 2018/19 - the highest in the Premier League - and accounts for around 52 per cent of the club’s annual £627.1m turnover.

The Glazer family, United’s owners, have faced criticism down the years for their commercialisation of the club.

But sponsorship deals with the noodles and mattress partners that have invited derision are the revenue streams now helping to safeguard jobs and afford the club a level of financial insulation from the pandemic that many rivals do not share. Commercial revenues for last season stood at £275m - £34m more than the club generated in broadcast income.

Discussing the subject of player wage cuts and deferrals this week, Maguire - who was a key figure in the creation of the #PlayersTogether initiative that is expected to generate millions of pounds for NHS charities - said: “First and foremost every club will be different. I’m having weekly discussions with the club about how we want to go forward and how we want to monitor it and that’s as much as we can say on behalf of our club.

“We keep monitoring the situation weekly, and every week we will evaluate and see where we’re at and see if we need to do anything regarding pay cuts or deferrals. Every club will be different and I’m sure every club captain will be speaking to their clubs with regard to that.”