THE GLAZER'S SET OUT THEIR TRANSFER KITTY

Last updated : 16 June 2005 By Editor

This is in The Telegraph:

No club have ever made such detailed plans, but before critics complain that the spending will not match that of Chelsea, they should note that the Glazer figures compare favourably with United's past budgets.

Until July 31, United can spend £6.25 million. For the year ending July 31, 2006, the net spending (the outlay after money received from sales) can rise to £26 million. This will also be the figure for the year ending July 31, 2007, and after that it will be a constant £25 million net.

His tight grip on budgets will cause more resentment, but supporters need to remember that United have rarely been big spenders. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson describes in his biography how surprised he was when, in his first close season as manager, the summer of 1987, he asked chairman Martin Edwards for eight new players and was told United did not have a benefactor to reach into an endless store of personal wealth.

United will have to provide the bankers with a monthly financial report setting out profit and loss, cash flow and comparison with the budget. Once a year David Gill, the chief executive, will have to make presentations to the bankers explaining United's performance.

United cannot buy any other company nor invest more than £2 million in any new joint-venture. The agreement with JP Morgan even names the four firms who can audit United's accounts. Should Ferguson or any senior employee leave then the bankers will have to be immediately informed. The agreement even specifies the type of pension scheme Untied employees can enjoy.