Roy Keane has suggested Erik ten Hag should replace goalkeeper David de Gea this summer and make four other signings to strengthen his squad.
United have signed Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen and Netherlands defender Tyrell Malacia so far this summer, while an .
But Keane believes further reinforcements are needed as Manchester United look to make up ground on Premier League rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
United endured another underwhelming season last year, finishing sixth in the Premier League and struggling in their domestic and European cup competitions.
In Ten Hag, Manchester United have a manager who has enjoyed much success at Ajax, but whether he can continue to pick up silverware at Old Trafford remains to be seen.
United have largely struggled since Sir Alex Ferguson retired a decade ago, failing to win any trophies since 2017 and going through a string of managers.
Asked which areas Manchester United still need to strengthen following the additions of Eriksen and Malacia, Keane said: ‘Off the top of my head it’s the midfield.
‘They need some top quality players in the middle. They need some physicality, some energy. That’s where I’d start.’
In a segment with , former Manchester City defender Micah Richards then said: ‘Defence as well?’
To which Keane replied: ‘Of course, the whole core of the team needs improving… the full-backs, the striker and I’m not convinced with the goalkeeper either.’
Keane said last season was ‘disastrous’ for Manchester United but insists he wouldn’t settle for a fourth-place finish in the Premier League next year.
‘I don’t think that should be your mindset going into a season that you’d settle for fourth,’ the former Old Trafford captain added.
‘You’re obviously going to do as well as you can and you’re competing to get into the Champions League; for financial reasons, the brand, the club, the top players want to play in that.
‘But you shouldn’t be ruling out that you can still win a cup competition, [it was a] disastrous season and you’d like to think there will be some improvement, but I wouldn’t just sit there — as poor as they are and go; “I’d settle for top four”. I wouldn’t.’
Manchester United have impressed in Ten Hag’s first pre-season at the club, .
The Red Devils have three more pre-season friendlies – against Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano – before they begin their Premier League campaign against Brighton on August 7.
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