Gary Neville hits out after Man Utd pay out dividends to shareholders

Manchester United legend-turned-pundit Gary Neville has hit out at the club following the decision to pay out dividends to the current shareholders.

The Red Devils had a dismal Premier League campaign in 2021/22, finishing sixth in the standings. Their points tally (58) was their worst-ever in over three decades.

It was anticipated that this would trigger a positive response in the transfer market this summer, but that has hardly been the case with not a single signing made so far.

While Manchester, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have spent on key players, United continue to haggle over the price tag for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

There is currently a difference of around £8.6 million in the transfer valuations between the sides, and United continue to remain reluctant to meet the asking price.

The situation has become somewhat laughable, considering the Red Devils’ shareholders including the Glazers were paid around £11m in dividends earlier on Friday.

Neville has now criticised the decision by highlighting that United face losses in two aspects. The former captain feels the sum could be used in improving several areas at the club.

He further stated that the lack of signings could increase the pressure on United, who could end up paying higher sums for players, who are not good enough compared to their rivals.

Here is his tweet

£11m being taken out at this point is a lose/lose. The 1st loss is the £11m is needed in many areas of the club.The other loss is they will now overpay to pacify critics/fans/media for players not as good as our rivals are buying for much cheaper which depletes us even further!

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) June 24, 2022

It is still too early in the summer transfer window, but the club don’t appear to be engaging in talks with multiple targets. The focus for now remains on signing De Jong and Christian Eriksen.

Erik ten Hag would not have signed for United without the assurance of a spending spree, but there has been little to suggest that the club are on course to secure his preferred targets.

This is bound to add up to the criticism over the owners. A couple of years ago, the Glazers borrowed £100m to cover the club’s operating costs, but still took around £137m by selling shares in 2021.

United have not received anything from those profits and the frustration of some supporters could intensify over the coming weeks if the club fail to make at least a couple of marquee signings.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com