Jamie Carragher has warned that Manchester United's unchecked spending must stop, saying the club are trapped in a 'vicious circle' that their chiefs need to break. United have invested heavily in their squad year after year but have struggled to justify that outlay with consistent success or Champions League qualification.
Summer spending spree
United spent almost £200million during the summer transfer window, bringing in three midfielders in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. The trio alone cost £155m. Tynan Thompson also arrived from Tottenham in an £8m deal, while Karim Cassim and Isaac Konde were recruited from Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
The club's wage bill has also increased this year following their return to the Champions League. However, United players' salaries are cut by 25% when they fail to qualify for the competition. Despite this, several members of the squad remain on high wages, with their performances on the pitch struggling to justify them.
'Vicious circle' warning
Carragher argued that the combination of high salaries and underperforming players has made it increasingly difficult for United to move players on, leaving the club unable to keep spending their way out of trouble.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "I just think when you're at a club that are spending big money and those players are continuing failing, you're not getting in the Champions League as well, you've got one of the biggest wages, eventually you can be the bigger spenders of the season but you're not being successful.
"Liverpool and Manchester City are one of the few years have consistently beaten, won trophies and then have big spending sprees.
"Eventually Manchester United, the money will always be there because they're one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but it can't just be a tap that never gets turned off - it just can't. And then you're talking about net spend, well you don't get players out, it's difficult to get players out when you continue failing at the club.
"Then they're on big wages, and you can't move them on - no one will take them. It's a vicious circle that they're in. Eventually, it gets to a stage where you can't be the biggest spenders and for me, that was this summer."
Pressure mounts
United have endured a difficult start to the season, picking up just one win so far as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick to turn things around. Their struggles have raised questions over the club's direction, with Lisandro Martinez's comments earlier this week adding to the scrutiny.
The Argentine defender launched a scathing attack on Jason Wilcox, claiming he had 'expected more' investment in the squad over the summer before appearing to place responsibility for United's poor start on the club's decision-makers.
