Ralf Rangnick makes Manchester United transfer admission

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Ralf Rangnick admits Manchester United's targeting of players in the summer transfer window would be easier if they qualified for the Champions League.

United have been outside the Premier League top four since October 16 but could move up to fourth for at least 24 hours if they beat West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Rangnick's side are due to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round-of-16 next month but both the league and knockout routes into the Champions League are intensely competitive.

United are currently finalising their shortlist of top targets for the summer with a view to executing deals from next month but their European competition status for next season is unclear. "Yes, of course, it would be helpful if we knew we were going to play Champions League football next season," Rangnick said. "Not only for potential new players but also the players that we have here already. "Everybody would like to play Champions League but, as I said, there are only two pathways to play Champions League next season, either you finish in the top four in the Premier League - and this will not easily happen this season because there is a lot of competition - and the other way is to win the Champions League yourself. "We all know both are not easier but it’s more realistic and more possible to plan and develop to finish in the top four in the Premier League than from now on just saying we plan to try to win the Champions League.