Manchester United told they can still sign 'who they want' as Frenkie de Jong pursuit continues

Manchester United hero West Brown believes his former club can “pretty much sign who they want” despite failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

A number of United fans have expressed concern that their team is yet to sign a player this summer as their top six rivals continue to get deals over the line. Some believe this is due to their inability to finish inside the top four.

The Manchester Evening News understands that United are poised to make a second bid for Frenkie de Jong - Erik ten Hag’s number one target - imminently. They saw an initial £51m bid rejected with Barcelona wanting to hold out for around £65m.

READ MORE:Manchester United set to submit improved bid for Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona

United are seemingly making a beeline for De Jong ahead of other transfer targets Jurrien Timber, Antony and Christian Eriksen. But former defender Brown believes they can sign who they want, despite their top-four failure, thanks to their esteemed status.

Speaking ahead of the 360 Sports TV Masters Cup on July 8 - which sees Masters Football return after a decade-long absence - he explained: “The Champions League makes it so much easier to attract the top players, but ultimately, players understand how big a club Manchester United is.

“Even with the season that we had last season; we still had a chance at Champions League football with a month to go. When you look back at the way we were playing, it's still a little bit bizarre.

“If Ten Hag feels a player can make an impact, he will definitely be going after them. There might be one or two players that fancy Champions League football, but they [United] pretty much can get who they want.”

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