The Manchester United Tax’: Have the Red Devils Really Been Overpaying in the Transfer Market?

Exploring Manchester United’s costly signings and whether the ‘United tax’ is more than just a myth

Manchester United’s recent transfer windows have left many fans and pundits scratching their heads. While clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City have managed to strengthen their squads with eye-catching signings, United’s business has often come with a hefty price tag and questionable value. The phrase ‘Man Utd tax’ has been thrown around to describe the seemingly inflated fees the Red Devils pay to secure targets — but is there any truth to this idea, or is it just a convenient scapegoat?

The story really gained traction during the club’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo this summer. The 25-year-old Brentford forward, fresh off a 20-goal Premier League season, had only a year left on his contract, which in theory should have made the transfer simpler and less expensive. Yet United’s bids of £55 million and £62.5 million were rejected before they reportedly agreed on a deal that could reach up to £71 million. This significant premium over market value sparked renewed talk of the ‘United tax,’ a term first coined during Ed Woodward’s era as chief executive to describe the club’s perceived tendency to overpay.

What exactly is the ‘Man Utd tax’?

The ‘Man Utd tax’ refers to the notion that Manchester United always seem to pay above the odds in the transfer market compared to their rivals. Former executives, including Woodward and his successor John Murtough, have acknowledged this problem, and current co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has publicly criticized the club’s transfer strategies, urging smarter, more cost-effective business to protect United’s financial health.

The tax isn’t just about inflated fees, but also about how the club approaches negotiations and targets players who end up costing more than necessary. It’s a perception that the allure of playing for Manchester United — the world’s richest and most famous club — works against the club when trying to get the best deal possible.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest signings that fuelled this narrative.

Harry Maguire — £80 million defender who divided opinion

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Back in 2019, Manchester United broke the record for the world’s most expensive defender by paying £80 million for Harry Maguire. The club’s interest began when Jose Mourinho was still manager and keen on signing the England international after his standout World Cup performance in 2018. Mourinho had reportedly asked the club not to exceed £50 million, but Leicester’s £60 million asking price was already beyond that, so the deal stalled.

When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over, United revived their interest, especially after rivals Manchester City joined the race. The bidding war pushed the price higher and higher until United eventually secured Maguire for the eye-watering sum.

While Maguire remains a first-team player at Old Trafford six years later, he has struggled to consistently justify the enormous outlay. Defensive mistakes and form dips have drawn criticism, and many question whether United could have secured a better defender for less.

Casemiro — £70 million gamble that hasn’t fully paid off

Another marquee signing that added fuel to the ‘United tax’ debate was Casemiro. When the Brazilian midfielder joined from Real Madrid in August 2022 for a reported £60 million plus add-ons, United were desperate to shore up their midfield after a poor start to the season.

The price tag reflected the player’s pedigree, having won multiple Champions Leagues and trophies at Madrid. But it also reflected Real’s savvy negotiation, with Madrid sensing United’s urgency and squeezing the club financially.

Casemiro’s £350,000-per-week wages made him United’s second-highest earner, and despite a promising debut season, his subsequent campaigns saw him struggle with the pace and physicality of the Premier League. High wages and inconsistent performances have left United reluctant to sell, forcing the club to consider alternative options.

Fred — costly purchase that failed to deliver

Sir Jim Ratcliffe didn’t mince words when criticizing the signing of Fred. The Brazilian midfielder cost United around £47 million, a fee that reportedly deterred rivals like Manchester City. Despite high expectations, Fred’s performances were often lacklustre, with fans and pundits questioning his contribution to the squad.

His partnership with Scott McTominay was frequently mocked, and many felt the club had overpaid for a player who simply didn’t fit the demands of United’s style or ambition.

Antony — £85 million signing that flopped

Perhaps one of the most infamous examples of United’s transfer woes was Antony. Signed from Ajax for a staggering £85 million, the Brazilian forward generated huge hype but quickly became a source of frustration.

His initial promise, including scoring in his first three games, faded fast. The fee was widely regarded as excessive, especially considering Antony’s numbers at Ajax, and former Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar admitted that the Dutch club pushed United to pay as high a fee as possible.

Mason Mount — £60 million confusion

Mason Mount’s signing baffled many supporters who questioned why United paid so much for a player coming off a difficult season and facing stiff competition for his best position from Bruno Fernandes.

The £60 million outlay for Mount, who managed only 13 Premier League starts and two goals across two seasons, raised questions about scouting and squad planning.

Other examples: Martial, Fellaini, Hojlund

United’s tendency to spend big hasn’t always yielded the desired results. Anthony Martial arrived amid great fanfare in 2015 for a potential £57 million, but injuries and inconsistent form limited his impact.

Marouane Fellaini’s £27.5 million transfer, completed late on deadline day in 2013, was another deal where United arguably paid over the odds due to a lack of alternatives.

More recently, Rasmus Hojlund’s £72 million move as a younger alternative to Harry Kane has proven a gamble that’s yet to pay off, with the Danish striker struggling to hit the ground running.

Is the ‘Man Utd tax’ a real problem or just a symptom?

Looking at these cases, it’s clear Manchester United have spent large sums on players who haven’t always lived up to expectations. The club’s stature certainly adds a premium in negotiations, and a combination of desperation, competition, and poor timing has driven up prices.

The ‘Man Utd tax’ is not just about overpaying but about the way the club has managed transfers — chasing big names without always fitting them into a cohesive strategy or considering value for money.

Conclusion: Lessons for the Red Devils moving forward

For United to restore their place at the summit of English and European football, smarter transfer business is essential. This means doing thorough scouting, negotiating better, and avoiding bidding wars fueled by urgency or status.

The new leadership at the club, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and CEO Omar Berrada, seem determined to address these issues. The ‘Man Utd tax’ can be beaten, but only if the club learns from past mistakes and approaches transfers with discipline and clear vision.

After all, football is a game of fine margins — and overpaying for players is a margin United can no longer afford.