It's a strange statement from Utd. You can take from it that they wouldn't have signed Telfer had they known he'd cost so much, that in turn suggests they don't value him that highly. Young players are always a gamble, I noticed the much lamented Dylan McGeough once of this parish is now ploughing his furrow at Easter Road on loan, Telfer could go on to become a great player or also might find himself losing direction in a few seasons time.
But for Utd to complain so bitterly is ridiculous, I wonder if they'll get brought up on a disrepute charge.