Manchester United's head coach Michael Carrick has stated that money in itself is not the answer to building a successful side, and the club can compete with richer rivals. The club spent £148m on new players this summer, less than newly promoted Ipswich, Chelsea and Tottenham, and the record £458m spent by Manchester City. In contrast, United's most expensive signing this summer was Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton in a deal that could reach £70m, still £19m short of the club-record £89m they paid for Paul Pogba a decade ago.
Carrick has rejected the notion that restrictions have been placed on summer spending by United's hierarchy, saying "The actual amount of money I understand can be a big thing but it doesn't always have to be the answer." The club's debt has been a concern, with total borrowings of £1.29bn, including outstanding transfer fees, and fans continue to protest against the Glazers at virtually every match.