Erik ten Hag gives controversial answer when asked about Man United and Brighton’s transfer spending

Erik ten Hag has claimed that transfer fees are inflated when Manchester United are interested in a player.

On Saturday, United produced a dismal display as they were outplayed by Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

Goals from Danny Welbeck, Pascal Gross and Joao Pedro sealed a convincing 3-1 win for the Seagulls. Youngster Hannibal Mejbri was on the score sheet for United.

After the match, United boss Ten Hag was asked about United’s spending compared to Brighton’s.

The Dutchman said: “All the teams have spent a lot of money. Brighton have spent money. When Man Utd come, it inflates the price. That is also true.”

That comment from the United boss has caused a stir as United spent big once again during the summer transfer window.

The Old Trafford club splashed the cash to bring in the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund.

Brighton’s starting XI against United on Saturday cost less than £16.6 million whilst Red Devils full-back Diogo Dalot cost £19 million alone.

Furthermore, according to Football Observatory CIES, United have spent the most money on building their current squad than any other team around the world.

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They have spent a whopping £991.7 million on their current playing squad, with Chelsea second with a total spending of £977.9 million.

Speaking about his side’s performance, Ten Hag said: “We are disappointed. But it was really small margins. We are so close against a good side. The first 20 minutes was all ours.

“We created chances but didn't score. We conceded a goal with their first attack. We then had a period in the game that was quite difficult, we fought to get a goal and it was disallowed.”

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He added: “So it is difficult in this period. It has not fallen on our side, but we will fight back and if we stick together, play as a team, stick to the rules, we will return.”

United are back in action on Wednesday as they begin their Champions League campaign against German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

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