Gill: United can still match big spenders

MANCHESTER UNITED chief executive David Gill insists the club can still compete with big-spending neighbours Manchester City despite being overtaken in the pay league.

City’s wage bill of £133m has rocketed up £50m in the last year, overtaking United’s £131.7m and the Eastlands club, bankrolled by Sheikh Mansour, are closing in fast on Chelsea.

United agreed a bumper new deal with Wayne Rooney last week but are still maintaining their policy of ensuring wages remain less than half their turnover.