Paul Merson names THREE recruits who can turn Man Utd into title contenders

Paul Merson believes that Manchester United should target the signature of three of England's most exciting young players if they want to play the Premier League again in the near future.

After a record debut, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer presided over a five-game losing streak in seven games that saw his team crash out of Europe and lose ground in the race to qualify for the Champions League.

Jose Mourinho's successor is expected to face an unprecedented summer at Old Trafford and promised last week that it would be ruthless to rid his team of players he would not deem fit for the task ahead.

Romelu Lukaku is expected to lead a major elimination, and former Arsenal star Merson believes United's recruitment strategy should focus on the signing of Declan Rice, Chelsea's contract rebel, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and from former Manchester City star Jadon Sancho.

He said, "I do not think Solskjaer will have four or five years to succeed. United does not have that kind of patience, even for one of them.

"If they are not part of the Champions League next season, they will not be able to attract world-clbad big names either.

"But if they were investing in younger talents like Rice, Sancho and Hudson-Odoi, they would have players who could have an immediate impact while improving.

"Imagine what would these three be in four or five years? By then, Rice could be the English midfielder, while Hudson-Odoi and Sancho could be two of Europe's best wingers.

"These are three of the brightest talents in England. Give us the necessary time and we could suddenly talk about united European domination. They are so good.

Sancho was lucky enough to leave a big club and play in a foreign country to prove he's good enough, and he's reaping the rewards.

"He is involved in a title race and is part of the England team, he seems to have pockets of confidence and I am very impressed with him.

"As a fan of Chelsea, I would not like to see Hudson-Odoi leave, but from United's point of view, what a signature it would be.

"It looks like he has a great future and he made his debut in England at his own pace, which is a very good sign if you ask me.

"Put those two sides of Rashford and those first three would be feared in Europe, I think that ticks all the boxes.