Why Manchester United’s future may not be as bright as Everton’s

Loved this article.

The interesting question which is not covered is Brexit. This is not to get into the politics of hard/soft, trade deal, customs union etc etc. But one of the key components is freedom of movement and employment.

At the moment, players from EU countries can be signed and play whether they are regular fixtures in the national side and known world wide or whether they are plying their trade in the Hungarian 2nd division but good enough for a place in a National League North team.

Players from outside of the EU need a work permit which is usually based on a number of international appearances to prevent clubs signing players from the Peruvian 2nd division on a pitiful wage to comply with FFP.

The English (and Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland) leagues have to comply with EU law. However, will there be the possibility that, no longer governed by EU legislation, these FAs will look at providing better opportunities for home players to improve the national team. Will they impose a cap on the number of European and non-European players a team can have on their books or field in their team?

With the money in the Premiership, I am sure they will fight this to the last as, shorn of international stars, their brand will suffer so we could see a huge row between them and the FA.

But should it come to pass that you have to have, say, 8 UK born players in your team, then yes Everton will be in a far better position than Man Utd and you could have the perverse scenario where the likes of Pogba and Ibrahimovic are at United solely for their Europa League games (I am thinking 2020-21 not 2017-18!) and not playing in the Premiership.

It will be a real fight between clubs and country as the riches of the Champions League could be lost as teams call upon less able English/Scots/Welsh/Irish players.

Just some thoughts and musings but maybe our English youth strategy may pay off