Club captain Harry Maguire is involved in weekly discussions with Ed Woodward, the club's executive vice-chairman, and other senior officials on the matter and other issues. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Manchester United are likely to absorb any loss in matchday income for this season within existing revenues rather than 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 television money or matches next season have to be played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus crisis.

United have a minimum of five home games left this season - four in the Premier League and at least one in the Europa League, against LASK, whom they lead 5-0 after the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.

Matchday income at Old Trafford across 26 games generated £110.82m last season, the equivalent of £4.26m per game. Based on those figures, United would lose around £21.3m in matchday income if the season were to finish behind closed doors. That figure would be higher if they were to reach the Europa League quarter-finals and semi-finals, which would involve two more home fixtures.

For all the latest sports news, analysis and updates direct to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter.

United have already confirmed that season ticket holders will be offered a pro-rata rebate against their tickets for next season or pro-rata cash refunds based on the number of games remaining. Rebates and refunds will also be given to supporters who 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 wage reductions.

Club captain Harry Maguire 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 television broadcasters demand a rebate should the season not finish. 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 was £332.3m for 2018/19, the highest in the Premier League, and accounts for just over half of the club's £627.1m annual 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 were £275m - £34m more than broadcast income.

Discussing the subject of player wage cuts and deferrals last week, Maguire 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. Every week we will evaluate and see where we're at and see if we need to do anything regarding pay cuts or deferrals."

Telegraph

Sunday Indo Sport