Second, Ferguson is near retirement and we’ve seen that managers want to sign their own players. The Glazers can’t afford a lot of contracts like Berbatov’s if the next manager decides Berbatov and others aren’t “his” kind of player.

Young players are simply cheaper, both to buy and to pay. People can slag off Wenger all they want, but at some point Arsenal are going to have zero debt, a large supply of young, capable players, and a full, up-to-date stadium in London. With a decent manager they’ll be able to run indefinitely at at least their current level. Who’s really looking forward to competing with them then?

This is the intersection of the economics of a heavily leveraged club and a manager nearing retirement. The Glazers are taking advantage of the Real Madrid project to tighten their grip on the club, as is their right. Ferguson’s age doesn’t give him any leverage to complain at this point.

p.s. David Gill doesn’t have a speaking part in this movie.

limits are an excellent idea. players in their prime are currently over-valued.