Gary Pallister sends transfer warning to Manchester United

Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister fears the club could struggle to attract “top players” in this summer’s transfer window.

The Reds finished eighth in the Premier League this season but salvaged their season by qualifying for the Europa League after beating Man City in the FA Cup final.

While United have qualified for the Europa League, Ineos are understood to be waiting on a green light from UEFA because of their investment in two clubs competing in the competition.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not only co-owner at United, but the British billionaire owns a majority share of Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

However, former United defender Pallister believes missing out on a place in the Champions League could come back to bite the Reds where it hurts.

Pallister told BetVictor, as cited by the Manchester Evening News: “Top players are looking at clubs that are progressing. They are looking at where they can win the Premier League and the Champions League. At this moment in time, Manchester United haven’t got the pull of the Champions League and that’s something that does affect recruitment. United are not up there with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. Saying that, they have made changes to the recruitment department and hopefully that can help work some magic and the club can get some quality players into the squad. I think strength in depth has been lacking this season and that’s why injuries are taking a toll on the team.”

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Many fans will echo Pallister’s concerns, but United need to go down the route of finding the right players for the club and manager. That could mean staying away from a marquee signing for a few years because now is the time to fix problems that exist in the team. There’s no point adding players who are going to be upset at not playing in Europe’s biggest competition.

This summer should be about continuing Ten Hag’s squad build, though we must wait and see if the Dutchman will be kept on as manager for a third campaign.

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