Five reasons why Manchester United have fired blanks so far in the transfer window

Kevin Strootman

The added attraction of capital cities and England’s tax structure

Apart from wages, titles and managers, the location of a club has come to play a huge part in the last decade or so. London, Paris, Madrid and even Rome, being capital cities are an added attraction for players, especially youngsters.

Lucas Moura chose Paris over Manchester, Strootman has gone to Rome, Ronaldo (Cristiano) fancies Madrid more, even if he is in love with the Manchester club.

The 50% tax rate in England is also a dissuader as footballers in Spain and Paris end up paying much less tax. And if you’re going to Monaco, you don’t even pay that!