Manchester United change contract renegotiation approach to cut costs

A number of the Manchester United squad may be playing for their future at the club this season after changes have been made to the policy in which contracts are renegotiated at Old Trafford.

Previously talks began over a new deal when a player had two years left on their existing contracts, but with the Glazers looking to save money, this has now changed.

United are taking a risk by leaving it until 12 months before a contract expires to begin talks, excluding exceptional circumstances, which is the time in which a player can buy themselves out of the rest of their deal and move on to pastures new.

Eight players will be out of contract at Old Trafford in 2012, with talks having already started with Wayne Rooney and a new deal expected to be offered to Patrice Evra soon.

Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Ji-sung Park, John O’Shea and Anderson are the others with less than two years remaining and could have to wait to begin talks.

Manchester United are 5/2 to win the Premier League this season and the change could have both a positive or negative bearing on the squad.

The players looking to secure a new deal may step up their performances on the pitch and give that extra ten per cent which could provide the Red Devils with a 12th Premier League title.

However, it could instead unsettle the squad as players get linked with potential new clubs.

Manchester United’s next league game is away at Bolton and they are 8/15 to collect the three points and keep the pressure on current table toppers Chelsea.

Chelsea are 8/11 to win the Premier League this season. See the whole Premier League winners market.