Manchester United: Where Do They Need To Strengthen In The Summer?

Ahead of a busy transfer window at Old Trafford, we look at what areas of the Manchester United squad Louis van Gaal needs to improve.

Despite spending close to £150m on a wealth of talent last summer, it is clear the United ranks need another overhaul if they are to mount a serious title charge next season.

David de Gea must decide where his future lies, which will obviously mean a replacement must be found should he complete his move to Real Madrid, while Michael Carrick’s fitness will determine whether United can rely on his weary legs for one more season.

But which positions need reinforcements? Who can turn United from an improving giant into title chasers once again? We look at three areas that require Van Gaal’s utmost attention…

Striker

With a formidable-looking forward line of Radamel Falcao, Robin van Persie, and Wayne Rooney, all supplied by Angel di Maria, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera, Van Gaal looked to have the arsenal to get off to a flying start at the United helm last August.

However, Van Persie enjoyed his least prolific season since his injury-ravaged 2009-10 campaign, while Falcao netted as many times as Chris Smalling as United faltered in front of goal.

Once again Wayne Rooney was the talisman, but he needs help.

Hoffenheim have reportedly accepted a bid for fleet-footed Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, but Van Gaal must add more orthodox firepower if he is to mount a serious title challenge next campaign.

Harry Kane is reportedly on the United supremo’s radar, Edinson Cavani is thought to be interested in a switch to the Premier League, while Mario Mandzukic is rumoured to be eyeing the exit door at Atletico Madrid.

One attractive option would be securing the services of Real’s Karim Benzema, whose role is often understated in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, as part of the David de Gea sale.

The French forward has scored less than 15 league goals just once in the past five seasons, despite facing a tussle for a starting berth in the Spanish capital, and his eye for goal could be the difference between a runners-up spot and United's 21st top-flight title.

Centre-back

The most pivotal of all. If it were not for David de Gea this season, United would be facing another campaign without Champions League football. Fans certainly feel bolstering the heart of the United defence should have taken place a year ago.

The Red Devils’ rearguard made 28 errors leading to shots at goal in 2014-15, but De Gea was breached just three times from the resulting chances.

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have shown signs of forming a formidable partnership without completely convincing, Jonny Evans’ injury problems are yet to be remedied, while youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett are far from the finished article.

The Mats Hummels saga roles on. Will he? Won’t he? It changes from week to week, but one thing is for sure – United need his experience at the back.

Nicolas Otamendi has had a phenomenal first season in Spain, and is attracting admiring glances from the United hierarchy.

“Valencia's improvement and challenge for the Champions League qualification is due in no small part to the efforts of this excellent central defender,” Sky Sports expert Guillem Balague said when naming the Argentinian defender in his La Liga Team of the Year.

Both could well be plying their trade at M16 in 2015-16, and should they settle quickly, could add the glue to a formidable United unit.

Right-back

Another really troublesome area for United. Rafael continues to flirt between the sublime and the ridiculous, Antonio Valencia has proved to be more of a stopgap than a regular in the role, while Smalling and Jones have suffered from being asked to play in an unfamiliar position.

Dani Alves looked set to become an exciting addition to the Premier League but elected to sign a new deal with treble winners Barcelona – much to United’s dismay.

he marauding Seamus Coleman could add more attacking intent down the United right flank, Matteo Darmian, who was so impressive against England in last summer’s World Cup, has also been mentioned, while Nathaniel Clyne has expressed his desire to play at a higher level.

However, Gregory van der Wiel looks the most likely arrival. The Dutch full-back has fallen out of favour at Paris Saint-Germain, and with only one year left on his current deal, Van Gaal is thought to be keen on his compatriot in a cut-price deal.

Credit: Skysports.com