‘Why would you go to Man Utd?!’ - Red Devils told why recruitment will be ‘twice as difficult’ this summer as club legend admits they ‘can’t really compete’ for top players

There was a time not all that long ago, when winning 13 Premier League titles under legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, that United were able to cherry pick the very best talent available in domestic and international transfer markets.

A humbling fall from grace has been endured since Ferguson retired in 2013, with the 2024-25 campaign seeing the Red Devils tumble as far as 14th spot in the English top-flight table. Enticing players of proven pedigree to Old Trafford is becoming increasingly tricky.

Ex-United defender Gary Pallister fears those recruitment challenges are about to get even tougher, with a once dominant force threatening to fade into the background. A side now working under the management of Ruben Amorim are no longer a go-to option for the most sought-after of additions.

Pallister, speaking in association with Casino Apps, told GOAL when asked if United will soon be forced to shop in an entirely different market to the one in which they have grown accustomed to: “They are doing that right now.

“Years ago, if you got the chance to sign for Manchester United you would move heaven and earth to try and get there. At this moment in time, people look at Manchester United as a club that is not in a comfortable position. I wouldn’t call it a crisis yet, but there is a lot of change going on.

“There might not be European football, a lack of stability, so why would you go to Manchester United if you could maybe go to Manchester City or Arsenal or Madrid, Barcelona? We can’t really compete with those teams at the moment.

“It makes it twice as difficult when your recruitment is so important to you and how the club moves forward. It’s becoming harder to get players across the line.”

United have continued to spend big on reinforcing their ranks, but little return has been seen on that investment. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS ownership group are now having to implement controversial cost-cutting measures, which could make it even more difficult to get fresh faces of the required standard through the door.