I wouldn't mind a couple of seasons of very minimal transfer activity. United have been so clueless at transfers in the post-Ferguson era. We need a massive review of all the data, not just United's but other PL teams, other big sides across Europe, in order to get a basic understanding of transfers. Our whole model is flawed on so many different levels.
I would suggest those in charge make sure to read Pay As You Play by Paul Tomkins and Graeme Riley, as soon as possible then try to find more up to date data on transfers.
And please could we fire whoever thought buying a bunch of Eredivisie players was a sensible idea. Likewise buying lightweight creative players from Dortmund; first didn't work, 2nd didn't either so let's try again, 3rd time total disaster.
When Paul Tomkins and Graeme Riley did their big research study into transfers, high priced transfers had the same 50% success rate as lower to medium priced transfers. I haven't looked carefully at all the more recent high priced transfers across the PL but it feels as though the success rate probably hasn't changed much.
Please could we stop paying top end fee and huge salary then using that particular player in a different role than the one he impressed in for his previous team. Mason Mount as a number 8 is someone who will have to learn the role. He is not worth £55m transfer fee and wages of £240K per week when starting regularly in that role. He might be worth £150K per week as a number 8 but he would never have joined us if that was all we were prepared to pay him. As things stand, he is more likely a back-up or squad player being paid a huge salary.
As someone who read the book a long time ago, I despair at United's transfer policy.
I would suggest those in charge make sure to read Pay As You Play by Paul Tomkins and Graeme Riley, as soon as possible then try to find more up to date data on transfers.
And please could we fire whoever thought buying a bunch of Eredivisie players was a sensible idea. Likewise buying lightweight creative players from Dortmund; first didn't work, 2nd didn't either so let's try again, 3rd time total disaster.
When Paul Tomkins and Graeme Riley did their big research study into transfers, high priced transfers had the same 50% success rate as lower to medium priced transfers. I haven't looked carefully at all the more recent high priced transfers across the PL but it feels as though the success rate probably hasn't changed much.
Please could we stop paying top end fee and huge salary then using that particular player in a different role than the one he impressed in for his previous team. Mason Mount as a number 8 is someone who will have to learn the role. He is not worth £55m transfer fee and wages of £240K per week when starting regularly in that role. He might be worth £150K per week as a number 8 but he would never have joined us if that was all we were prepared to pay him. As things stand, he is more likely a back-up or squad player being paid a huge salary.
As someone who read the book a long time ago, I despair at United's transfer policy.
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Honestly, what a weird question