Manchester United’s reluctance to accede to José Mourinho’s demands for multiple signings last summer is understandable, as in some cases both clubs in the city are being asked to pay an additional transfer tariff. One England international who recently signed a new deal at a Premier League club has a buy-out figure of £40 million for all of the clubs in the top flight, with the exceptions of United and City, who must pay £50 million to get him.

Mourinho did not get the transfer targets he wanted in the summer MARTIN RICKETT/PA WIRE

Hard sell in Manchester

United are in danger of losing the backing of Roy Keane’s infamous “prawn-sandwich brigade” due to the lack of entertainment on offer at Old Trafford so far this season, with several companies in the city who have corporate season tickets reporting that