Manchester United’s wage bill rose by 23% as Cristiano Ronaldo returned

The return of Cristiano Ronaldo has driven an increase in income – and expenditure – at Manchester United. Picture: Francesco Scaccianoce/PA

Manchester United’s wage bill rose by 23% during the period in which they signed Cristiano Ronaldo, the club’s latest set of financial results show.

Figures for the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year show a rise of £16.6m in “employee benefit expenses” compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.