Man United transfers: ‘Red Devils will struggle to attract top players’

Manchester United will struggle to attract top players to the club this summer should they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League, according to Mike Phelan.

The Red Devils have already signalled their intention in the transfer market in recent weeks by snapping up Juan Mata from Chelsea in a club-record fee, and also tying Wayne Rooney down to a new long-term contract.

It might turn into a situation where David Moyes has two shopping lists

Mike Phelan

However, United face an uphill task in attempting to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition, with David Moyes’ men currently 11 points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

And former Red Devils coach Phelan believes that Moyes may have to compromise in the transfer market in the summer should they fail to secure a top-four finish.

“Playing the Champions League is always an issue,” Phelan told talkSPORT. “You are always going to be in competition with other football clubs for big players, whether you’re in Europe or not.

“It might turn into a situation where David Moyes has two shopping lists. He’ll have one for being in Europe and one for not.

“The attraction to play for Manchester United will still be there, though. They’re making the sign that they’ll plough money into the market this summer and pay big salaries, so it’s an interesting time.”