Man U's ex-boss tops pay league

PETER Kenyon earned about £1 million in his final year as chief executive of Manchester United - even more than the average wage of Premiership footballers.

United's latest annual report shows that Kenyon, who resigned last month to join Roman Abramovich's Chelsea, was again the Old Trafford club's highest-paid director.

He took home a salary and bonuses of £710,000 plus a free award of shares worth £286,000.

Kenyon, who is on gardening leave, is still negotiating his pay-off with United. It is unclear whether he will have to forgo his shares and an options package worth about £900,000.

He is expected to start as Chelsea's chief executive in the New Year on a package reportedly worth up to £5 million.

There is nothing in the Premier League's rules to prevent Kenyon holding on to his United shares when he joins Chelsea.

Shares in Manchester United have rocketed in the past month on renewed bid speculation. Irish racing tycoons John Magnier and J. P. McManus have built up a 23% stake.

The accounts show that Kenyon's successor, David Gill, picked up £714,00 in salary and share awards as deputy chief executive.

Last week Gill made a £284,00 gross profit from cashing in share options. But wages of the directors at United trail well behind star players. Accountant Deloitte & Touche put the average wage of Premier League players at £600,000 last year.