Most expensive football team in history: Man United top Man City in list of teams with biggest transfer spend

Manchester United's 2023 squad is the most expensive in world football history, according to a report by UEFA. 

The European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report, published on February 15, 2024, offers a wealth of data on the financial goings-on in European football, including details on the amount of money spent by some of the world's biggest clubs. Man United are right at the top of that list.

Despite their significant investment, United could only manage a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, their first campaign under manager Erik ten Hag. They did, however, win the Carabao Cup, the club's first trophy since 2017, and reached the final of the FA Cup.

The report also highlights that three other clubs — Manchester City, Chelsea, and Real Madrid — also surpassed the billion-euro mark in terms of transfer fees when it came to assembling their squads.

The Football Association has given the green light to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a 25% stake in United. With this acquisition, Ratcliffe aims to enhance the club's transfer activities, seeking improved returns on investment. His newfound control over football operations within the club positions him to steer strategic decisions in this regard.

In short, he is likely to expect United to get more bang for the buck than they have in recent seasons. Here is a look at how they became the most expensively assembled squad in history.

Premier League top goalscorers 2023/24

Manchester United have the most expensive squad of players in football history, according to UEFA.

The European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report revealed that by the end of the 2023 financial year, the players in Man United's squad cost combined transfer