Running scared! United want to put brake on City's kamikaze spending

By Chris Wheeler for the Daily Mail

Published: 17:30 EDT, 5 September 2012 | Updated: 17:30 EDT, 5 September 2012

Manchester United are behind plans for tighter financial controls on Barclays Premier League clubs that would limit the spending power of rivals such as Manchester City.

United’s proposals received widespread support when they were put forward in June, and a range of measures will be up  for discussion at a meeting on Thursday.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan supports the idea, even though he suspects it might be partly motivated by the increased threat posed by City.

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‘This proposal has come from Manchester United — I think City haven shaken them up a little bit — but I think there should be some controls on spending,’ said Whelan.

‘Some clubs are spending way more than they can afford and getting into trouble — just look at Portsmouth.

‘Something has to be done so we will support these measures.'

The proposals, similar to UEFA’s financial fair play rules, could lead to clubs being forced to break even every year or face sanctions.

While that might suit the likes of United and Arsenal, it would be bad news for City, whose losses of £197million in 2010-11 were the biggest in football history. United’s other big rivals, Chelsea and Liverpool, posted losses of £68m and £49m respectively.

In support: Dave Whelan (left) favours the moves to curb spending

However, United chief executive David Gill believes many clubs are in favour of the new measures.

Speaking last week, Gill said: ‘A lot of clubs would be happy just to introduce the financial fair play regulations into the Premier League now, some wouldn’t.

‘We’ve got financial regulations in the Championship and the Champions League, so we need to do it.’