This was a summer in which United had the capacity to and needed to outspend each of our rivals in the Premier League. Okay, so Chelsea is a wildcard and spent a lot (over 200m) but United have to spend about the same given the lack of spending in recent years. We keep saying we're the most profitable, biggest team in the world and yet again, we're outspent by Aston Villa. Does this make any sense? Oh, and I'm guessing the owners are willing to withhold board dividends then given we're so financially strapped? It's ridiculous how the fans of this club are treated and I'm sure we'll see significant fan action this season, regardless of whether the stadium is open.
"United had the capacity to and needed to outspend" - What and why? Why do you believe the club had the capacity to outspend our rivals?
"given the lack of spending in recent years" - Which years are that? There certainly hasn't been any lack of spending since Sir Alex retired.
I have no idea what was the financial impact on Aston Villa or any other team in the world but for United the estimated impact for last season is £110m in lost revenues and for this one so far we're expecting about £50m less (given that there is no clarity if fans will be admitted after the winter).
The overall cost of a Sancho deal is reportedly estimated to be as much as £250m. Add that to the ~£100m we did spend (without agent fees and wages). Does this seem reasonable to you?
As for dividends, you do know that the purpose of any business is to maximise profits for its shareholders. I know most people on here have a hard time understanding that Manchester United is a business but it really is.
"It's ridiculous how the fans of this club are treated" - How are they treated? And by whom? The media? Because it appears that all fans expectations are set by media and then they feel let down. Well...can't really see the club's fault in that.