Something very striking about United's transfer policy, for years now, by contrast with us. If there's any truth to the Eriksen rumour.
Txixi (and Pep) are not by and large interested in signing players, however “marquee” they are, who are not going to have a potentially long shelf life with us. So far we have Álvarez, 22, Haaland, 21, in the bag. Possibly Cucurella, 23, and Phillips — o.k., 26. All and any of them could have years at the top with us, if things work out to mutual satisfaction.
But over and over, we have seen United sign players who cannot possibly be expected to perform at top level for more than about three years, tops, as a short-term fix. They may deliver for one season, maybe two. For years now, United's thinking has been short-term, even verging on panic. Long may that continue.
We are really a far, far better-run club.
Even Chelsea are kind of heading in that direction. The Lukaku thing was never going to work out. At best, he might have been the answer to their woes up front for a season.
Liverpool are more of a worry to me, because they seem to now be thinking strategically. Their recruitment for the last three seasons has been undeniably good, they're thinking about being in the argument for years to come.