Louis van Gaal says Robert Lewandowski, Neymar, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and James Milner were among the top talents he tried to take to Manchester United during his spell at Old Trafford.
The Dutch tactician was handed the Red Devils reins in the summer of 2014, with Premier League giants turning to a proven performer on the back of their failed experiment with David Moyes.
Van Gaal arrived in England with big ambition and wanted that to be mirrored by the club in their recruitment business, but he ended up being frustrated down almost every avenue explored.