Manchester United, Manchester City behind Real Madrid with costliest squads

Manchester United's big summer spending means that they now have the third most expensive squad in Europe, behind only neighbours Manchester City and Real Madrid.

United have spent £389.1m on Louis van Gaal's current squad, with City spending £408.1m and Madrid shelling out £428.5m, according to the CIES Football Observatory.

Van Gaal's squad cost over £100m more than Champions League winners Barcelona's, bought for £287m, and more than 50% more than Bayern Munich's, who arrived for £246m.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay both arrived at Old Trafford for respective £24m and £25m fees, while Anthony Martial arrived on deadline day for £36m.

Juan Mata cost £37m, Anders Herrera £28m, and Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini all cost £27m each.