Why Manchester United January transfer plans could be impacted by Everton points deduction

When the news of Everton’s Premier League points deduction filtered through, many pointed fingers towards the blue half of Manchester amid City's 115 charges - allegations they deny in full.

However, those at Old Trafford may have itchy feet too. This is not because of anything the Manchester United hierarchy have done, but what they might do. The club have spent more than £400million on transfers under Erik ten Hag and it looks like they may only have a Carabao Cup to show for it.

Despite posting a record £648m in revenue in the last fiscal year, the club ended up with a £28.7m net loss. In 2022, they recorded a club-history-high deficit of £115m.

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The Premier League only allows for a £105m shortfall over a three-year period, although this can be offset by certain aspects such as losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, infrastructure spending and community work.

Nevertheless, United officials were concerned about breaching Financial Fair Play [FFP] rules over the summer and were keen not to eclipse their previous off-season spend of £225m. In the end, more than £175m was splashed.

Some have questioned how close United really are to stepping over the limits but the substance of their concern will be seen in January. Last new year, United were forced to lean into the loan market with the hierarchy zipping up their purses over FFP fears.

They might be clasping onto their money bags even tighter this time around after news of Everton's punishment. The Toffees exceeded the Premier League's Profit & Sustainability cap by £19.5m and were whacked with an unprecedented 10-point penalty,