Man United ‘country mile off’ league rivals amid ‘worrying’ Frenkie de Jong update – pundit
Man United are struggling to sign Frenkie de Jong as they can’t offer Champions League football.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Red Devils’ failure to secure the Barcelona man.
According to Sky Sports (13 July), Man United have a “broad agreement” with Barcelona for the signing of De Jong – thought to be around £56million plus add-ons.
However, as per Fabrizio Romano (12 July), the midfielder has not given a green light to the move as he will not take a salary reduction.
Kenny claims having no Champions League football to offer is also hurting Man United.
“It’s worrying times for Manchester United,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I think the Champions League doesn’t help them. Top, top players want to be involved in the Champions League week in week out, not the Europa League, no disrespect to it.
“They want to play at the top level in the top competitions and fight for league titles. Man United are a country mile off that, for me.
“I can see it being five, six, seven, maybe more seasons before they catch the likes of Liverpool and Man City.
“I think that is playing a role in the fact they haven’t signed the players we thought they would.”
Manchester United have only signed Tyrell Malacia this summer.
The 22-year-old left-back made 50 appearances for Feyenoord during the 2021-22 season.
In other news, expert claims Erik ten Hag is set for “punishing” ordeal as Manchester United ban details emerge.