True cost of Man Utd’s summer transfer window revealed

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Manchester United’s summer transfer campaign has been revealed to be significantly more expensive than previously realised.

United were not as active in the market as previously expected, yet Michael Carrick’s side still recruited three central midfielders in the form of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba.

The total cost of the Red Devils’ signings came to €177.9m – including a further €4.7m on Tottenham prospect Tynan Thompson – but a report from the Manchester Evening News shows the club spent far more than this.

How much did Man Utd spend on new signings this season?

Man Utd spent €177.9m on transfer fees, but the reality is that their spending was far higher than this.

The MEN reports that the club’s exchange filings showed that they had actually spent €222.7m on new additions.

The difference of nearly €45m can be accounted for by agent fees and a four per cent levy that the Premier League applies on transfers. The MEN points out that the remainder is accounted for by the cost of academy signings.

Man Utd's summer business

Man Utd summer signings

Man Utd summer sales

Man Utd’s biggest problem was selling players

United’s figures are not alarming by any stretch, although the biggest weakness in the club’s summer transfer business was a failure to effectively sell players.

Indeed, they raised only €55.7m in transfer income, the vast majority of which arrived when Rasmus Hojlund’s loan move to Napoli was made permanent following the Serie A side’s qualification for the Champions League.

The club did have other players who were earmarked for sale, most notably Marcus Rashford. While his transfer fee of €30-35m would not have made a particularly significant impact on the club’s balance, it was the forward’s significant wages that were the driving force behind the desire to sell.

Ineos have made it clear that they want a more streamlined, cost-efficient club, yet with Carrick’s side sitting 12th in the Premier League table with one win from five games, it is unclear if this strategy can match the expectation of a fanbase that demands titles.