The European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report says Manchester United’s squad at the end of the 2022/2023 season, cost £1.21bn in transfer fees.
Manchester United’s squad
Their £1.21bn squad has broken the record for most expensive team in football history. Manchester United have taken the record from Real Madrid. They previously owned the record in 2020. Their squad cost £1.13bn.
It’s important to note that none of Manchester United signings that they’ve made this season are included in the total. These transfers include £72m Rasmus Hojlund, £55m Mason Mount or £47m Andre Onana.
Instead, the big transfers from the financial calendar year include £82m Antony, £80m Harry Maguire, £73m Jadon Sancho and £70m Casemiro.
This squad managed to get Manchester United back in the Champions League. They also lifted Manchester United’s first trophy in six years as they defeated Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Of course, Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% takeover cost £1bn. He now controls football operations at Manchester United
How do Manchester United’s squad price compare to other clubs?
The UEFA report also stated that three other clubs spent over one billion. The clubs were Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea.
The reason why Chelsea don’t have the most expensive squad is because Chelsea’s figures only go up to June 2022. So, the £850m they spent from the summer of that year to August 2023 is not counted.
Other Premier League sides were listed in the top 10. ‘Big Six’ clubs Liverpool (£774m) and Arsenal (£761m) came sixth and seventh. with Tottenham ninth. Saudi owned Newcastle came in the top 20 as they are battling to avoid breaking FFP rules.
Manchester City and Chelsea are still awaiting the verdict on their alleged FFP rule breaking.
Does money equal success?
Based on these figures presented by the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, it’s safe to say that money doesn’t always equal success.
Chelsea have spent over £1bn since Todd Boehly took over in 2022. They are currently 10th in the table. However, they do have a shot at cup glory; they will take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Despite that, they’re still a mere shadow of the side they once were under Roman Abramovich. Chelsea were one of the teams that pundits and fans would predict to qualify in European competition every season. In fact, they lifted the Champions League almost three years ago. Oh, how times have changed.
Manchester United looked to have taken a step in the right direction based on last seasons successes. Things have swung differently for them this campaign. The finished 4th in the Champions League group table and are currently 6th in the Premier League.
Their only chances of cup glory is in the FA Cup. They Nottingham Forest in the fifth round.
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