Paul Scholes has revealed the number of signings Manchester United need in the summer to have a formidable team.
The Red Devils are languishing in the bottom half of the league standings and risk finishing the season there if they do not improve.
United had the chance to address some weaknesses in the squad in the January transfer window but could only sign left wing-back Patrick Dorgu.
They failed in their attempts to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku and Bayern Munich youngster Mathys Tel. The latter joined Tottenham Hotspur.
With no sign of improvement, Scholes has suggested that United need to make summer signings in key positions to create a strong spine for the team.
He told The Overlap: “When you look at teams, you look at their spine. Liverpool – great goalkeeper, great centre-halves, forwards. Wherever it is, I do not think United have any in that position.
“I think a new goalkeeper is needed – two centre-halves, one midfielder, and one centre-forward with a bit of stature and quality, and really create a spin.
“When you have gone that spine right, then you can add bits to it.
“If they do not get this right in the summer, they could be looking at relegation.”
Man United need to be clever in the summer transfer window
While United must make quality signings in the summer, they cannot address all their weaknesses during the next transfer window due to financial constraints and the imminent exit of some players.
Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford will likely leave in the next window.
They will need to be replaced with quality players. The Red Devils may need to rely on promoting some academy players to beef up the squad alongside any new faces.
