You would like to believe that players exert maximum effort no matter what. But, money will always be a motivating factor.
According to The Times, that has been the case for Man Utd this season.
The club have been on the verge of the Champions League qualification most of the season.
With seven games remaining for Louis van Gaal's side this season, they are currently a point behind Man City who occupy fourth - the final qualification berth for European football's premier competition.
The Times report that should Man Utd not qualify for next season's Champions League, many big name players at the club face a pay cut from what they earned this season.
When a player signs a contract at Old Trafford, there are two levels to the deal. Firstly, there is the standard basic contract which covers domestic football. Then, if Champions League qualification is achieved, they earn at a rate known as 'standard plus'. This was a strategy introduced post-Alex Ferguson.
Should it be Europa League rather than Champions League football in 2016/17, £14 million will be trimmed from the wage bill. This apparently amounts to £500,000 per player.
The clause also applies to the contracts of coaching staff.
Man Utd play Spurs on Sunday, a crucial game for both clubs. United will likely be four points in deficit to Man City come that fixture. City play West Brom in the 5.30pm game this evening.
