Manchester United legend Andy Cole says boss Louis van Gaal has to sign the world's best if the Red Devils are to be competitive in the Premier League next season.
United already signed Memphis Depay from PSV Eindhoven and are expected to make a move for top class players in the coming weeks.
Gonzalo Higuain, Mario Mandzukic and Raphael Varane have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford with boss van Gaal expected to spend £150m this summer.
"Manchester United need to be competing for the best players in the world if they want to challenge in the Premier League and in Europe next season," he wrote on Kicca.
"If you are going to compete in the Champions League, look at the final you've had; Barcelona against Juventus.
"Look at the guys those clubs sign. The calibre of players you have to be looking at is what they have got and United have to be fishing in the same pool as those clubs if they want to improve.
"It's been another tough season for United, but finishing in the Champions League spot is naturally progress.
"The form has been up and down but a club like Manchester United needs to be in the Champions League to attract the best players and make progress for next season, to hopefully try and compete for the Premier League."
