Rafael Benitez’s ‘facts’ episode was a source of much amusement for Manchester United fans last season, given that the opinions he was insisting were facts were nothing of the sort.
Another of Benitez’s lies is that Manchester United spend more money than Liverpool FC in the transfer market. Sir Alex Ferguson corrected Benitez at the time but the lie has perpetuated.
Fernando Torres, who has yet to win anything at Liverpool, is a follower of the FSW’s nonsense, again claiming that his team can’t compete with us financially.
“I don’t know about Liverpool’s financial situation but I know we don’t have the same money as Manchester United or Chelsea,” he said. “We’re fighting them with less money every season. That’s not a problem for us – we’re a strong team and we’ll win trophies with money or without it. The important thing is we’re getting closer to the title. It’s been frustrating for me because three years without a trophy for Liverpool is too long. The next one is coming, though – I’m sure of it.”
Difference – United’s total spend is £0.45m more, United’s net spend total is £34.2m more.
Difference – Liverpool’s total spend is £6.15m more, Liverpool’s net spend total is £11.45m more.
Difference – Liverpool’s total spend is £9.4m more, Liverpool’s net spend total is £11.52m more.
Difference – Liverpool’s total spend is £15.14m more, Liverpool’s net spend total is £24.14m more.
Difference – Liverpool’s total spend is £12.8m more, Liverpool’s total net spend is £4.15m more.
Since Benitez joined Liverpool in 2004, United have spent more than Liverpool during just one season, whilst Liverpool have been the bigger spenders in the other four. That isn’t just total spend, but net spend as well.
As it turns out, Benitez spends more money than Ferguson, yet every single season he has finished below us in the league. Fancy that, eh Torres?
I eagerly await the data for next season when the £80m for Cristiano Ronaldo can be taken in to account. Although, Liverpool might make back a few quid when Alonso and Mascherano jump ship!
