Solskjaer admits United weren’t ready for the Champions League but the Europa has given him a chance to blood brilliant kids like Greenwood & Williams for the future
MORE footballers than ever are being targeted in tax investigations into image rights deals.
An incredible 246 players are now under investigation according to a new report which says the figure has trebled from last year.
HMRC have put image rights packages under the spotlight because they are used to boost multi-million pound player contracts, with the extra earnings taxed at a lower rate.
Big name stars often set up companies to run their image right deals, which are taxed at the 19 per cent corporation tax rate rather than the 45 per cent highearner income tax rate.
The report, by UK chartered surveyors UHY Hacker Young, says the number of players under investigation has risen.
Elliot Buss, partner at
UHY Hacker Young said: “HMRC believes that lots of lesser-known footballers are avoiding tax by getting paid huge sums for image rights that are overpriced.
“The image rights of the likes of Paul Pogba and Mohamed Salah are undoubtedly worth millions.
“But if you are secondchoice left back in the Championship getting paid a great deal in image rights payments, that is likely to trigger an investigation.
“You may have to make a robust argument to HMRC to show how the value of the image rights has been arrived at.
“Despite having a very substantial income, many young footballers don’t get the advice they need when it comes to tax.
“Often they don’t realise they need to pay tax on the fees that the club pays the agent on behalf of the player when they sign a new contract.”
OLE GUNNAR Solskjaer claims the Europa League has been the perfect stepping stone for Manchester United’s re-emergence as a major force.
United take on Copenhagen tonight for a place in the semi-finals, with boss Solskjaer admitting Europe’s second-tier competition has allowed him to develop his squad.
The Norwegian has given debuts to kids like Brandon Williams and Mason Greenwood, who have since become automatic picks. But he says that, had United been in the Champions League, he would not have been able to take such risks.
That is why Solskjaer believes the Europa League has been the ideal stage for United, with the Reds already back in the Champions League next term after finishing third in the Premier League.
“We went into this season knowing the Europa League was a great chance for us to get a trophy, to go far in a tournament and groom a few youngsters,” said
Solskjaer. “So it was perfect for us. Had we been in the Champions League this season, I wouldn’t have had a chance to play the likes of Brandon and Mason as much as I have.”
After giving his B team a run-out in the 2-1 last16 second-leg win over LASK a week ago, Solskjaer will recall his more established stars tonight.
That means the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Greenwood will all return for a game United are expected to win to set up a semi-final with Wolves or Sevilla on Sunday.
Solskjaer reserved special praise for Martial, who has produced a
Live on BT Sport X1 from 7.00pm career-best haul goals this season.
“Anthony has made huge strides in many aspects of his game,” he said. “Physically he’s at the best level in his career. I’m just looking forward to seeing him improve even more. There’s more to come from Anthony, definitely.”
Pogba is another player who looks happier after a season blighted by injury. “We’re delighted he’s back playing and enjoying his football,” said Solskjaer.
“He’s always a great personality around the place and hopefully we can see him lift this trophy as he has done before. He’s a real pro.” of 23