'It's going to be a hard sell' - Man Utd legend fears club will struggle to attract 'top players' this summer and questions why stars would choose Old Trafford over Man City or Liverpool

The Red Devils have fallen behind their rivals in the last decade and last conquered England back in 2012 when Sir Alex Ferguson prowled in the dugout at Old Trafford. Since then several high-esteemed managers have come and gone but all have failed to arrest United's decline.

Erik ten Hag took charge in the summer of 2022 and apart from a Carabao Cup title in 2023 - which was their first trophy in almost six years - the Dutch manager has been somewhat of a failure. The Red Devils entered the competition as defending champions this term but were knocked out in the round of 16 by Newcastle United. They were also ousted from Europe in the group stage and are currently eighth in the league standings - 11 points adrift from fourth-placed Aston Villa.

United legend Andy Cole is disappointed with their recent form and feels that his former club has ceased to be an attractive destination for top players, given that they can't assure them a Champions League spot anymore. He told Betfred: "It’s going to be very interesting to see how they plan on doing that in the summer and how they plan on enticing players to come to Old Trafford. A lot of it depends on where Manchester United finishes in the Premier League this season and whether they’re going to be playing European football next season or not.

"If there’s no European football and they’re trying to entice players, then how are they going to sell their project? The possibility of winning the FA Cup or League Cup? Winning the Premier League? Nobody knows if Manchester United are going to be playing in the Champions League the season after next and the season after that. That’s why I believe it’s going to be a hard sell for Manchester United to convince top players to join the club this summer. How many players would turn down Manchester City or Liverpool to join Manchester United? This summer is going to be really interesting.”

United are still alive in the FA Cup, which remains their only realistic chance of winning silverware this season. They face Newport County next away from home on Sunday, and should easily progress to the next round if they play to their potential. Looking ahead, the Red Devils have a busy schedule which sees tham face Wolves and West Ham on February 1 and 4, respectively, in the Premier League.