Erik ten Hag insists Man United will still attract top players despite lack of Champions League

Manchester United are out of the Champions League once more and will be aiming to end the season with a seat at the Europa League table next year.

That is far from a guarantee, however, with the Reds currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table ahead of Sunday’s curtain-closer at Brighton & Hove Albion.

United have made a habit out of dropping out of the Champions League conversation every other year since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and each time, it comes with the debate of whether the club will be able to attract the players they need.

Now, speaking ahead of a hectic summer for the Reds, Ten Hag has insisted that United remains an attractive proposition for players despite the lack of Champions League football.

“I’m sure Man United is a very attractive club,” the manager is quoted as saying by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

“Of course, you want to play the highest levels but if you want to go into a project in a club like United… it’s a very attractive club for every player”

The biggest hit not competing in the Champions League will bring, at least from the club’s point of view, will be the financial muscle they are missing out on.

It couldn’t have come with worse timing, either, with INEOS keen on handing the team momentum in a summer that will bring wholesale changes to the squad.

It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag remains in charge next season or if INEOS, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, decides to pursue a different approach. One thing’s for sure, however, and that’s that recruitment will be prioritised.

United are in a position where they are required to sell before they are able to spend big and Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are among the players they could look to cash in on.