WE CAN NO LONGER BUY SUCCESS

FROM BACK PAGE

FROM BACK PAGE took charge at Old Trafford. In the past, United raided Tottenham for high-profile signings like Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov. But Mourinho said there is no way United could take prized assets Harry Kane, Dele Alli or Christian Eriksen away now.

“Is Manchester United by its

history bigger than Spurs?” questioned Mourinho. “But can you buy their best players? No, because they don’t sell. They are so powerful they can say no.

“A few years ago who was Tottenham’s best player? Carrick. And a few years later who was their best player? Berbatov.

“Can we go there now and bring Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eriksen, Son? Can we go there and bring those players here? No.

“So who is more powerful now? Them or us?”

Mourinho has spent around £382.5m since taking over at United, while City rival Pep Guardiola has presided over an estimated £525m overhaul. Asked why United were unable to match City in terms of spending, despite being the richest club in the world with an estimated value of £3billion, Mourinho pointed an accusing finger at the Blues.

“I cannot say the answer because one of the answers you had a few weeks ago,” said Mourinho, in a clear reference to allegations City flouted Financial Fair Play regulations.

“Football has changed. Before, the smaller clubs were almost begging the big clubs ‘get my best players, I need to sell – please, buy my best player.’ But now they don’t want to sell. So it’s more difficult to make the team better with buying.”