Manchester United will find it hard to attract top transfer targets to Old Trafford because of the struggles of Harry Maguire, according to Paul Parker.
The Red Devils are facing a vital summer as they look to turn their back on another sub-par season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the sack as manager in November, but Ralf Rangnick has been unable to inspire a turnaround.
Indeed, Tuesday’s 4-0 hammering by Liverpool made it three defeats in their last five games. Such a run of form has put their Premier League top-four hopes in peril.
Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has been officially confirmed as the new boss and has a big job on his hands.
Interim boss Rangnick – who is moving into a Man Utd consultancy role for two years working with club chiefs – claimed that the club need as many as 10 new players. However, he warned chiefs to avoid mistakes of the past by identifying exactly the kind of players they want first.
According to ex-United defender Parker, though, Ten Hag will struggle to attract top targets. The pundit pointed to the way centre-back Maguire has fared this season.
The 28-year-old’s form has dropped off and he has subsequently attracted criticism.
“You’re going to buy a bunch of players, and to convince all of them together that there are good players around them,” Parker told The Sun.
“Because if you go out and buy one great player, he’s not going to come to Manchester United because he knows it’s going to be too much pressure put on him.
“So, United is about to try to get quality players to come to them, because they know if they go there, expectations are going to be too much.
“As much as they want to play for Manchester United, and put themselves in that position, there’s only so much you want to put on yourself.
“Because you don’t really want the Harry Maguire treatment, do you?”
As for who United could sign, they reportedly want a new centre-back, midfielder and a striker.
Ten Hag and his Man Utd targets
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a solid impact. However, he only has limited time left at the top level at the age of 37.
Meanwhile, Fred and Scott McTominay have also received criticism of late in midfield.
West Ham and England star Declan Rice is firmly on their radar. United feel they can get the 22-year-old for £120million.
Man Utd reportedly have their targets in mind and will explain their reasoning to Ten Hag.
However, Rangnick also insisted after the Liverpool defeat that the Red Devils are “six years” behind the Reds.
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Jonny Whitfield
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