Is big money ruining football? With Manchester United’s £1bn squad facing relegation, critics argue that too much cash has corrupted the modern game.
Record spending creates 'worst team'
Is big money ruining football? With Manchester United's £1bn squad facing relegation, critics argue that too much cash has corrupted the modern game.
Manchester United have lost four of their last five home matches in the Premier League. After their most recent defeat, 3-1 to Brighton, manager Ruben Amorim described his team as "maybe the worst" in the club's 147-year history.
They are also one of the most valuable football clubs in the world, worth £5.2bn.
Wealthy owners mean that the Premier League has vast amounts of money, creating a growing gap between rich and poor clubs.
Many fans celebrate the English Premier League for attracting the world's best footballers.
But money cannot buy success - at least not in football. As the owner of Grimsby football club points out: "We now know culture is the thing that drives success in any organisation."
The most successful English football team in recent history are the Lionesses, winners of the 2022 Euros and finalists in the 2023 World Cup. Funding has made football more popular among women, but at a much lower level than in the men's game.
Is big money ruining football?
Yes! The money in the English Premier League has caused inflated transfer fees and a growing gulf between rich and poor clubs.
No! The wealth of English clubs has brought the best players in the world to the Premier League but not necessarily improved the standard of play by all teams.
Record spending creates ‘worst team’
