English giants flex muscles as Euro trade deadline closes

In betting the house on 19-year-old Monaco forward Anthony Martial, Manchester United has emphasized the English Premier League's standing as the financial ogre of European soccer.

United's decision to gamble a reported 36 million pounds ($55.1 million) on a player with only 52 league games to his name has sparked incredulity on both sides of the Channel.

British tabloid The Sun rechristened the 20-time English champion "MADchester United", while The Times said the deal - a world-record for a teenage player - was "the latest sign of panic buying at Old Trafford".