MANCHESTER UNITED FIND themselves “in the pit with the rest of the sharks” when it comes to trying to lure top talents to Old Trafford, says Gary Neville.
The Red Devils have already tied up a £15 million (€16.8m) deal for Daniel James this summer, while they are closing in on a £55 million (€61.6m) swoop for Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The hope is that there will be a few more additions to come, with United in need of inspiration from somewhere as they set about refreshing their squad once again.
Neville, though, has warned that landing the most coveted players in the market will not be easy, with fierce competition and inflated asking prices making life difficult for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The former Red Devils defender told Sky Sports: “It’s difficult to do business, it’s not easy.
“Everyone knows Manchester United want players and price tags will go up.
You’ve got to try and encourage players to come to the club. Players don’t just jump to sign for any club – they do their homework and get their agents to get to work. They probably have 50 meetings before they sign for a club nowadays.
“Manchester United will be in the pit with the rest of the sharks looking for the big signings.
“It’s difficult for all clubs as they all want the same players. They all want Harry Maguire, every single club wants him. Everybody wants Christian Eriksen.
“Players that are being bandied about, there are four or five clubs in for them.
“They aren’t just going to sign for the first club, they’ll choose wisely and look at the different aspects.
He added: Manchester United have got a big job to do in order to get a squad right for a championship challenge.
“Hopefully that’ll start this summer but it’s not just bringing players in, it’s about getting some out.”
Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku are among those generating exit talk at Old Trafford, while United are still working to put fresh terms in place with David de Gea – with the Spanish goalkeeper’s current contract set to expire in the summer of 2020.
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Utd fans: De ligt and koulibally – Reality Jones and smalling
@Hirving Lozano: Koulibally could be a possibility, I pity any player coming into Utd now thou,, players have zero say on how big a fee the selling club will place on them, add in the fact that because it’s Utd you can add at least 25% more on to it, when fans see the astronomical prices that are payed they think the player is a sure thing and that they will be an instant hit, which is not always the case, if the player needs time to adjust to his new team, new league(in some cases), or a whole new life for him and his family, the fans can and do get annoyed and start with the negative comments that in turn can make the settling in process a lot worse for the player.
@Devilsavocado: I’d rather a few talented unknowns who have everything to prove on the pitch.
@Conor Lynott: could be the way to go,, huge pressure on young shoulders thou,, when the class of 92 broke into the team they had the help of well experienced pros like Hughes, Bruce, McClair and Robson to help them bed into the first team, I really don’t see anyone in the current Utd team that could offer that solid base of support that new inexperienced players would need to help them settle into the team,, in my opinion of course…..
@Hirving Lozano: I think u mean the media as opposed to United fans.
@Conor Lynott: man city and Chelsea didn’t do it that way and it has worked out very well for them.
Is bissaka even any good? I know he’s with the English under21′s but he was on the bench for them. Seems crazy money for a lad with no senior international caps
@Paul Mallon: Last season, when measured against every other player in the same position, he came out at number 1. So, ye… He is that good. Hopefully he will be allowed to flourish at Utd.
@Mark Hurley: measured by what? Was it not Arnold that got that position in the team of the year.?
@Paul Mallon: He is Paul. Watched him loads last season, he is the real deal. As for Daniel James.. lots of speed but could be another Gabby Obertan. Time will tell
I’m actually getting sick of hearing from Gary Neville… why doesn’t he run for Director of Football then?
Wow!!! 2019 is turning into the ultimate nightmare for him so, City win the league and cup double, Liverpool win the champions league, Utd can’t make top four, and the Dubs looking odds on in the drive for five,, how does he get out of bed in the morning….:D
Interesting times
@Cryptoalcho: welcome back to the football chat pal,, I’m looking forward to seeing you and Sam rekindle your dalliance for the new season.
@Devilsavocado: sure you can’t rekindle anything with that lad. He vanished for a month after the Champions League Final. Only popping his head out now. I do wonder why he disappeared though
@themansam: I refuse to believe he did a runner after all his comments throughout the year, maybe an extended stay in a religious retreat was the reason for his online disappearance and now he is back to congratulate you and your team for their triumph….:)
@Devilsavocado: nah. He stuck his Nikes on and hit the road
Kids kids kids… I’ve been around
I enjoy and look forward to ur copy and paste posts on my comments :)
@Cryptoalcho: not one peep from you after the final. That’s a fact. You were all over it during the run up to and during the game. Then Whooooosh, you’re gone. That’s a fact, how come?
@themansam: prove your “fact”. That will answer your question
@Cryptoalcho: look at any of the articles before and during the final. Then have a look at the ones after buddy. You’re all over the ones before and during, then you’re gone. The facts are on this very site pal. SIx Times pal, SIX
@Cryptoalcho: come on bud,, say congratulations on a super season to your mate Sam, and tell him what a fabulous achievement it is for the team he supports winning the biggest trophy in world club football, remember no one has ever choked to death on their pride,, take it on the chin,, otherwise he will always have one up on you as the windbag who ran away because he could give it, but not take it……
@Devilsavocado: slagging off the dubs too. So I hope he’s a lucky charm in the long run
@themansam: haven’t seen any facts.. just hot air, something I’ve come accustom to.. please continue tho
@themansam: slagging off the dubs??? Very sensitive sam. I thought ud be happy with the leinster title and champo league? Guess it cant guarantee true happiness… as I’ve said before, get well soon love x
@Cryptoalcho: well it’s clear you don’t have the liathróidí anyway. As you’d say yourself, I’ll take the W. Thanks but when you feel like answering I’m here for you.
@themansam: remember to be happy! It’s all for nothing otherwise
@Cryptoalcho: you be happy while you’re waiting to grow a pair
He’s an anti Dub!!!!! Jesus, 2019 is going to be an absolute nightmare year for him, City win the league and cup double, Liverpool win the champions league, Utd miss out on top four and the Dubs looking odds on in the drive for five, how does he even get up in the morning…..:D