Manchester United fans knew that the “Man Utd tax” is real, but even accounting for every development in the last six years, they are entitled to be furious at Leeds United’s latest potential acquisition.
Leeds United are one of the fierce rivals of Man Utd, but that’s not going to be the least of their problems because they’re just taking a market opportunity.
They won’t even be angry at the player, who is doing what’s best for his career after a season that wasn’t his best.
They have the right to feel miffed at the different treatment they receive in the market compared to other teams, with the evidence clear.
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Leeds United closing in on £12m deal
Leeds are preparing a Premier League return, and United will be fairly happy, since it’s a game they’ve had the upper hand in most times in the Premier League era.
However, the next time they play Leeds United, they will see a face who will be extremely familiar with Man Utd.
It was in the summer transfer window of 2019 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to create a spine of his team with young English players.
Harry Maguire arrived in August that year, but before that, they were targeting a player who was the toast of English football.
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Newcastle had a quintessential local-boy-made-good story in the form of Sean Longstaff, who had a breakout season, including scoring at Old Trafford.
United were interested in signing him, but the move broke down over the asking price itself, as Newcastle slapped a price tag of £50m on him, not budging even slightly.
Six years on from that ridiculous price tag, Longstaff is on his way to Leeds United, as per David Ornstein, who reports that they have lodged a £12m bid for the player. United were linked recently too.
Long six years, but the Man Utd tax point stands
Six years is a long time in football, and it would be fair to say that Longstaff hasn’t made good on the potential he showed in his breakout season.
Having said that, this is still a player Eddie Howe was singing praises of as early as the 2024/25 season, calling him a “highly intelligent” player in his press conference in September.
It’s a fair bet that if United went in for him now, they’d be quoted at least £30m, probably even more, considering Newcastle’s one-sided rivalry with the Red Devils.
His contract ends next summer, but United have a similar example for that kind of move as well, paying £55m for Mason Mount a year before his contract ended.
Perhaps stretching Bryan Mbeumo’s negotiations until they get the deal done on their terms isn’t such a bad idea after all!