Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester United can still draw world-class players this summer – even if they are in the Europa League next season.
United, currently sixth, could be consigned to the Europa League next season, but Solskjaer claimed they are still a huge draw for the very best players.
Solskjaer is planning a major overhaul of his squad this summer and claimed he has agents representing the world's best players trying to get their clients a move to United.
“In the long-term planning we have to think about being in the Champions League next year,” said United manager Solskjaer.
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“We might not be, but you'd be surprised how many players' agents have been touting, telling us their players would love to be a part of Manchester United in the future.
“That's the lure, the potential and size of the club, [the belief] that we will get back to the good days.
“We've not been up to the standards we expect, but it's up to me and the club and that may mean a season without Champions League, who knows?
“But players still want to come to Manchester United and you wouldn't be surprised by the names that ask.”
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United have suffered from a chronic lack of goals of late. Romelu Lukaku has not scored in his last eight appearances, Marcus Rashford's goal drought now stands at six games, while Anthony Martial has one in 10 and Jesse Lingard one in his last 17.
Against that backdrop, Solskjaer admitted his strikers need to raise their level, with the United boss actively looking to bolster his forward line this summer.
“You learn about them every single day, you get positives and negatives and are surprised all the time,” said Solskjaer.
“Every day here is chance to be part of rebuild of Manchester United.
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“They haven't scored enough on the chances we've created, but that happens. At the beginning when I came in we were very efficient.
“Now that's changed and the margins and details have gone against us.
“Anthony's got goals in him, it's up to us to move forward and get that into him again, so I'm sure we'll see him scoring goals again in the future.
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“Towards the end of a long season, you don't train as hard. In different periods for strikers you do extra finishing just to get the confidence up.
“But we've got goals in our team, in midfield, up front, loads of goals, and some youngsters coming through.
“Hopefully we can see Mason Greenwood before end of the season, not now, because he's injured but hopefully for the final game.”
