This summer, while English football has been retiling the bathroom, the Spanish game has stuck in a jacuzzi.

United have replaced Ronaldo and Tevez with players from Wigan and Newcastle. Liverpool have signed Portsmouth’s right-back. Only City, at this stage, will be stronger next season than they were last.

In contrast, Spanish football will boast the world’s five best players next season in Ronaldo, Kaka, Lio Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso can’t wait to join them. Cesc Fabregas wants a one-way ticket home, while Franck Ribery would rather stay in Germany than move to England.