It's all linked though isn't it? It's not one or the other. Football in a ridiculous financial orgy and Ashley being frugal. Not sticking up for the bloated bargain basement bastard but we're fans caught in the middle of two opposing trends. I'm not entirely sure these foreign prospects have as clear an idea as those obsessed with the club do. MA is perhaps not really on their radar until a 'low' wage offer is presented. I don't see why ex players feel the need to comment as while the level of harm it does can be debated, it certainly does no good. It's not like he has to worry or comment anymore.