There may occasionally be a club football slump during the international break as players’ concentration is diverted. Not right now.

Everton was docked 10 points this past week for breaking the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations of the Premier League. This dropped them into the bottom three and raised questions about what could happen to Manchester City, who were accused in February of breaking numerous financial rules that went back to the 2009–10 season. Chelsea might also be disciplined.

Prior to this weekend’s top division games, FFP has dominated the football news agenda and will undoubtedly be the subject of several press conferences. Three points against Everton is the top aim for Manchester United, but off the field, the anticipated announcement that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is buying a share in the team could drastically alter the club’s financial situation.

It is unlikely to produce a warchest on the transfer market, and the necessity of staying within budget has probably been highlighted by the recent FFP focus. Although there are exceptions for infrastructure, women’s football, and youth development, Premier League regulations prohibit clubs from losing more than £105 million in three years. United was one of several European teams fined by UEFA for violating financial fair play regulations over a four-year period between 2019 and 2022. A fine of €300,000 (£257,000) was imposed on the Reds for what they called ‘a slight break-even loss.’

From a European perspective, UEFA unveiled new regulations in June 2022. These regulations will only allow for the payment of 70% of revenue for player and coach salaries, transfers, and agent fees when they go into full force in 2025–2026. United and other clubs at the top of the hierarchy will profit from this rule.

However, the Reds told intermediaries and other clubs they are walking a tightrope with FFP for a significant portion of the summer. Although they spent a lot of money in 2022 and owe other clubs a significant amount in transfer fees, the precise reason why, other from employing it as a negotiating technique, is unclear.

Nevertheless, United’s revenue for the 2023 fiscal year set a record of £648.4 million, constantly ranking among the highest in Europe. Since they have a significant advantage over many of their competitors, they ought to be able to benefit from the FFP regulations.

Instead of breaking the rules, United should be aiming to take advantage of them as City and Chelsea wait for rulings and possible penalties.