Jamie Carragher pinpoints 'vicious circle' Man Utd chiefs must end immediately

· Mirror

Manchester United are in a 'vicious circle', according to Jamie Carragher, and the former Liverpool player has also explained what club chiefs must do to end it

Jamie Carragher claims Manchester United have been in a 'vicious circle' of spending big on underperforming players who they then struggle to sell. The club have not consistently qualified for Champions League football in over a decade despite having one of the Premier League's biggest wage bills during that time.

United spent over £150million on transfer fees alone during the summer transfer window. Last season's Champions League qualification has also increased the wages of several players already in their squad.

Carragher believes the high salaries United pay hinder their ability to sell. The club have struggled to move on players.

He contended that the blend of hefty salaries and underperforming players has made it increasingly difficult for United to offload players. That leaves the club unable to continue spending their way out of difficulties.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said:

> "I just think when you're at a club that's spending big money, and those players are continuing to fail, you're not getting in the Champions League as well, you've got one of the biggest wages; eventually you can be the bigger spenders of the season, but you're not being successful.

> "Liverpool and Manchester City are two of the few clubs that have consistently won trophies and then have big spending sprees.

> "The money will always be there because they're one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but it can't just be a tap that never gets turned off - it just can't.

> "And then you're talking about net spend; well, you don't get players out. It's difficult to get players out when you continue failing at the club.

> "Then they're on big wages, and you can't move them on - no one will take them. It's a vicious circle that they're in. Eventually, it gets to a stage where you can't be the biggest spenders and for me, that was this summer."

United have suffered a troubled beginning to the campaign. They have just one victory so far as the heat intensifies on Michael Carrick to reverse their fortunes.

Their problems have sparked doubts about the club's trajectory. Lisandro Martinez's remarks earlier this week only heightened the scrutiny.

The Argentine defender launched a damning critique of Jason Wilcox, insisting he had 'expected more' investment in the squad over the summer before seemingly laying the blame for United's dismal start at the feet of the club's hierarchy. However, they stopped the rot by drawing 1-1 with Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday.

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