One of the most consistent guides of success in football over the past decade has been a squad's wage bill, which has proven to be an even more reliable indicator than transfer spend, but United have done their best to buck the trend.
According to Capology they had the highest wage bill in the Premier League last season but could only finish eighth on the pitch.
Erik ten Hag will put that down to injuries the fact millions of pounds was wasted with players stuck in the treatment room, but United have always been near the top of the wage bill table.
In the past 11 years, however, they've never been top of the Premier League table. The weekly spend on players hasn't produced the expected return.
According to the figure for last season, United's estimated wage bill comes in at £3.9million-a-week, around £100,000 higher than Manchester City's although the Blues operate with a smaller squad. Either way, the contrast is striking.
Not only have United paid too handsomely, but under the Glazers and the decision-making of Ed Woodward, they became a soft touch for renewals.
Bu hikaye Manchester Evening News dergisinin June 25, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Manchester Evening News dergisinin June 25, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Ref chiefs taking Coote allegations 'seriously'
A VIDEO appearing to show suspended Premier League referee David Coote snorting white powder is being taken 'very seriously' by the referees' body.
Heskey be next could starlet to make grade
COLE Palmer was sold for £42m and has 52 goals or assists in 58 games since leaving City. And a goal in the European Championship final.
Impressive England too slick for Greece
ENGLAND are on course for promotion back to the Nations League top tier after debutant Curtis Jones' fantastic flick completed an impressive 3-0 victory in Greece as Thomas Tuchel watched from afar.
Coach Borthwick 'under pressure'
RASSIE Erasmus insists Steve Borthwick is a coach under pressure as South Africa look to inflict further misery on England at Allianz Stadium.
Government to ban coal mining projects
NEW coal mining schemes will be banned in the UK, the Government has said.
Former PM Sunak returns as backbencher
FORMER prime minister Rishi Sunak has returned to the Commons as a backbencher.
Starmer hails arrest of small boat suspect
SIR Keir Starmer has said the arrest of a 44-year-old Turkish man suspected of being a supplier of small boats was a \"significant piece of the jigsaw\" in tackling Channel migrant crossings but \"I'm not pretending it's the silver bullet\".
Charles marks birthday with food hub visit
THE King has celebrated his 76th birthday by visiting a food distribution hub as part of his drive to support charities feeding the nation.
Republicans gain control of House to secure power
THE Republican Party has won enough seats to control the US House, completing the party's sweep into power and securing their hold on the American government alongside president-elect Donald Trump.
My beautiful light in the dark
Joy of mother told she had aggressive cancer while pregnant
