Former defender Paul Parker has accused Manchester United of playing a key part in "ruining football" in England, pointing towards the big-money contracts they are capable of handing out.
Football in England, just as it has right across the globe, has evolved over the last 20 years or so with transfer fees, wages and just about every other financial aspect associated with the sport having risen in dramatic fashion. The Premier League has, for the most part, become a playground for the rich and famous, establishing itself as one of the most sought-after leagues on the planet and home to some of the most famous players and managers in the business.
United's squad boasts some of the finest talent in the world, such as the likes of Raphael Varane, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. The club also spent a record-breaking amount in last summer's transfer window, splashing out north of £220million on new recruits.
But although Parker, who played for the Reds between 1991 and 1996, believes United have contributed to the way football has changed in this country, he accepts that the Old Trafford outfit are not alone. The Premier League is awash with money and just about every club is capable of paying lucrative transfer fees and big wages.
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"There was a time, many years ago, when players signed for Manchester United because it was Manchester United," Parker told bettingexpert. "Today players are signing for United because of… Yeah, God knows how many million they can earn.
"That's why United are also guilty when it comes to ruining football in this country. They are not the only guilty club but they are not innocent.
"The Premier League has become a circus division because it's all about money. This circus division is slowly killing our game and the circus division has taken anything good away from our football."
