Manchester United have 'overspent' on transfers more than any other club across Europe since 2012, according to findings from the CIES Football Observatory. United have been ranked along with Manchester City and their rivals from five major divisions on the continent to produce an eye-catching list.
Deals involving sides from England, Italy, Spain, Germany and France were analysed by CIES and it was United who came top of the pile in terms of spending more than a player's value. By contrast, neighbours City were ranked 17th in the Premier League — underlining their hugely impressive work in the market over this past decade.
Figures were based on incomings since July 2012 and from teams who have paid fees for at least 10 players during that timeframe. United had 33 major signings analysed and their actual outlay (€1.59billion) was viewed to be €238million more than the market value for those recruits at that time.
