Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has highlighted three areas his old side should try to strengthen in as they aim to return to the top four under Erik ten Hag.
The Frenchman also claimed that United's fortunes in the January transfer window could depend on which players they can shift off their books. Evra suspects a number of them are unhappy with their lack of playing time as Ten Hag gets to grip with his squad during his first campaign at the helm.
United are reeling from missing out on who many thought was their priority transfer target, in PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, but the Dutchman is now bound for Liverpool after agreeing a £45million-deal with the Reds.
United are light on attackers after Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial exit last month. Evra has acknowledged how the club do need another forward, but also claimed how that alone would not be enough and Ten Hag must seek out more reinforcements.
"You always expect to strengthen, but I don't want to go into the transfer window panicking and buying players because the fans and media are pushing for it," Evra told Betfair.
"We need to add something to the squad so we can perform much better. We're probably going to need a striker, I definitely think we need a defender."
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Evra went on to ponder whether United should try and bring in a new right-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka falling well down the pecking order in the eyes of the manager, though Diogo Dalot has performed well enough in his place this term.
"I definitely think we need a centre-back, a striker and a midfielder. That kind of Casemiro player, we still need experience."
There are a number of players likely to be concerned over the amount of minutes they are currently earning under Ten Hag, including the likes of Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Elanga.
With that in mind, Evra has explained how the fate of those players will play a big part.
"This transfer window for United also depends on which players are going to leave," he continued. "I think there are players that are not happy about not playing and they will try to leave."
United had been linked with Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix as a potential replacement for Ronaldo, but the former Golden Boy winner comes with an £8m loan feel alongside the fact the Red Devils would have to pay his wages in full - rendering the deal unlikely.