John Murtough was given perfect example of 'Man Utd tax' during negotiations

29 June 2023 , 09:19

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John Murtough was given perfect example of 'Man Utd tax' during negotiations

Manchester United are willing to end their pursuit of Mason Mount to avoid paying a 'United Tax' for the England international.

Chelsea have rejected three bids from the Red Devils for Mount, 24, including their most recent offer of £55million. The Blues are holding out for £65m but are willing to get round the table with United's recruitment team to reach an agreement.

That may concern United's football director John Murtough, who has struggled to sign players in the past due to the stature of his employers. It's believed clubs sometimes ramp up transfer fees when United come calling. The tactic is referred to as 'United Tax'.

Mount has just a year left on his existing deal at Stamford Bridge and is struggling to agree terms on a new contract. Chelsea are willing to sell Mount due to the dispute but, like United, want the situation resolved before pre-season starts next month.

Mason Mount is one of Manchester United's main transfer targets (Getty Images)

As reported by The Athletic, Murtough contacted a club last year to inquire about a young player's availability. He was given a price of £28m, despite another club being told the player was available for just £15m. Murtough was forced to look elsewhere.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

It's claimed this story is not a one-off, with United often forced to pay over the odds or end their interest in a player. A fine example of this is Antony, who was signed from Ajax for £85m last summer. United valued the Brazil international at £60m.

John Murtough needs to build Erik ten Hag a new squad ahead of the upcoming season (Manchester United via Getty Images)

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Edwin van der Sar was Ajax's chief executive at the time and has admitted he tried to squeeze as much money out of United as possible for Antony. The ex-goalkeeper left his position at Ajax a month ago after they finished third in the Eredivisie last season.

Speaking to The Athletic, Van der Sar said: "We would have liked to keep him [Antony] here one year longer - there was not a dire need to sell him, we had money in the bank - but the fee got so high. We challenged United to go as far as possible."

United have spent a lot of money on players since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down as manager in 2013. Paul Pogba was signed from Juventus for a world-record transfer fee of £89m in 2016, while Harry Maguire arrived from Leicester for £80m in 2019.

Jadon Sancho cost United £73m when he was bought from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Anthony Martial's move from Monaco to Old Trafford in 2015 was worth up to £58m, and Fred's price tag was £52m when he left Shakhtar Donetsk for United in 2018.

It's fair to say none of those transfers have worked out as hoped (so far, at least). United are determined to learn from their mistakes, but there's a good chance they will have to pay the 'United Tax' if they want to do business this summer.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have all made major signings during this window. United will need to get a move on if they want to give manager Erik ten Hag a squad capable of competing for the Premier League title next season.

Tom Blow