Man Utd CAN attract top talent without Champions League, insists former star

James Shearman

• 27 Apr 2022 09:43 CDT
• 3 min read

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha insists the club remain an attractive destination for the world's best players.

Borussia Dortmund pair Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham are two stars that Saha believes should be in United's sights, despite the increasing likelihood of finishing outside of the top four this season.

The Red Devils are currently in sixth position in the Premier League, set to miss out on next season's Champions League campaign.

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This tends to damage clubs' chances of signing top players in the transfer window but not United, according to Saha.

''Yes, they will still recognise that United is a huge club, and the club will get the respect it deserves,'' the Frenchman told gamblingdeals.com.

''Haaland is young and ready for a step up, at the moment there are obviously bigger destinations where Champions League football is guaranteed, where trophies are maybe more likely.

''I understand that. But the player is smart enough to understand that United will be back at the top, that’s for sure, and he will fit the bill.

''That’s what United are looking for – someone who can guarantee goals, will definitely play for many, many years and who knows, could even break records.

''Jude Bellingham is the number eight that the club require, but we also need a defensive midfielder that is way more capable of defending, so you need to find the right balance.''

Saha on Ten Hag

Saha also gave his thoughts on the appointment of Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag on a three-year deal.

Ten Hag hear earned a reputation in Holland for playing an entertaining brand of football - one which the the United hierarchy hope will gets the fans back on side.

''I think he brings the right profile,'' Saha added. ''It’s a difficult choice for the board to make. United have tried different styles in the past, with [Jose] Mourinho and [Louis] Van Gaal bringing massive experience but it didn’t really work out.

''Ten Hag brings a style that’s recognisable and is inventive, he’s very effective with youth players, so he fits the bill for sure.

''But he doesn’t have Premier League experience, and perhaps he’s not got the pedigree of past managers United have tried. So there will be questions, but we can only wish him good luck for what will be a massive task.

''Things need time to gel, but it’s appropriate moving forward and I think he’s the right choice.''