Andy Cole has stated that Manchester United cannot attract the world's best players and expects Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland to pick rivals Manchester City ahead of his former club.

The Norwegian international is one of the brightest young talents in Europe and is understood to have attracted interest from several top teams, including both Manchester clubs as well as the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Cole, who scored 187 Premier League goals, believes United could miss out on top targets this summer as other big clubs have put themselves ahead of the Old Trafford outfit in recent years.

"To get these guys to come, Haaland for instance, you've got to entice them with something. You've got to entice them with the possibility of winning silverware or being a year away from it," Cole told the Daily Mirror.

"These guys are going to have other options, possibly Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, maybe Barcelona. If you're playing and have the option of all these clubs, where would United really figure at this moment in time?

"Even though I love United, I don't think the club now can ride on its name alone, especially when you're trying to bring these players in. We're talking 2021 now. Does everyone want to go to United now? I'm not quite sure everyone wants to now."

Haaland has been in fine form for Dortmund this campaign, scoring 27 goals and providing eight assists across just 26 appearances in all competitions.