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.
This story is from the June 25, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 25, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pep facing the age-old problem of building next City generation
PEP Guardiola isn’t daring to think about a winning run that could mastermind a sensational turnaround in City’s form. He simply wants a win.
Lancs lord it up as fixtures revealed
LANCASHIRE’S bid to return to the top flight of the Rothesay County Championship will start at Lord’s as they visit Middlesex on the opening day.
A Leny for your thoughts... Yoro's return to fitness a gift for new boss
UNITED did not get off to the dream start under Ruben Amorim but the Portuguese will at least have a better understanding of the task at hand.
Root salutes his mentor Thorpe
JOE Root hopes England and New Zealand can provide a \"humdinger\" of a series in honour of the late Graham Thorpe and Kiwi great Martin Crowe.
Peer warns of impact of 'dying bill' on courts
A FORMER Lord Chief Justice has said that \"no-one has grappled with the detail\" of the impact that assisted dying legislation could have on the court system.
Record number of drones target Ukraine - report
RUSSIA launched 188 drones against most regions of Ukraine in a nighttime blitz, the Ukrainian air force said yesterday, describing it as a record number of drones deployed in a single attack.
Parking firms' bonanza Oldest man dies at 112
DRIVERS are being handed an average of more than 41,000 parking tickets a day by private companies in Britain, figures show, sparking calls for major reforms to how the sector is managed.
Rod Stewart 'proud' to play Glastonbury legends slot
SIR Rod Stewart said he is “more than able to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate” as he was announced for the legends slot at Glastonbury next year.
GMP seize most dogs after XL bullies banned
FORCE TOPS LEAGUE WITH 1,000 DOGS IMPOUNDED IN ONE YEAR
Man's river death was accident, says coroner
A MAN who was found dead in a river two weeks after going missing died accidentally, a coroner has ruled.
