At the start of the year, Rafa Benitez said that keeping Newcastle United in the Premier League would be a “miracle”.
It might have looked like the United boss laying it on thick at the time but remarkable stats compiled by journalist Daniel Storey add credence to the Newcastle manager’s point of view.
In a comprehensive look at the investment made in Premier League squads , Storey has crunched the numbers on the transfer fees paid for clubs ten most regular starters and United’s position is a reminder of the budget Benitez has been working with.
While Manchester City have spent £429million on their ten most regular starters, United’s outlay on the same ten was a mere £38million.
That makes them 18th in the Premier League, with only Cardiff (£18million) and Brighton (£37million) have spent less. Huddersfield – bottom of the Premier League – Brighton and Burnley have all spent more.
Benitez has been at pains in recent weeks to point out that their opponents have spent more on a single player than some of his combined XIs. After the defeat at Arsenal he pointed out that their front players were £70million men in a reminder to both supporters and the board that significant outlay is required.
Even after the Leicester victory , he made the point that their defensive players had cost £30million.
There is a bit of context required for the table, of course. United’s record signing Miguel Almiron is not included in the top ten starters because
Looking at Storey’s table, it’s difficult to argue with the fact that he has once again significantly overachieved given the resources at his disposal. United’s current position of 15th puts them three places higher than their current spend but the table also emphasises the difference between the division’s haves and have nots.
United’s £38million spend is less than 10% of Manchester City’s – yet they are the only team in the calendar year to have beaten the Citizens. A compelling argument, surely, for Benitez to be given a free hand in the summer and the club to shelve their reservations about some of his demands and clinch that contract extension.
If you don't follow him yet, Storey - who wrote the excellent Portrait of an Icon book which raised funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation - is well worth a follow on Twitter. He is here .
Matt Ritchie gives some strong views from inside the Newcastle United dressing room
