He told The Times: “With regard to Man United, I think what we would say is that they were way down in their investment in the transfer market last year and in my view this [their recent outlay] is averaging out.
“We are pleased with Rafa and his strategy. It’s not dissimilar to what he outlined to us in February. His belief is to look for players with the proper chemistry to enhance the team. We support Rafa. He has a programme under way and, as that unfolds, that will be the time for us to be judged, not now.”