Manchester United told to make two signings to become title contenders

Manchester United have enjoyed some brilliant results in the Premier League this season, which see them sitting at second place in the table and as the main challengers to crosstown rivals Manchester City, who currently have a 10-point lead in the title race.

Not many would have expected them to be where they are at the start of the season. Even then, it is hard to deny that the Red Devils have not been as impressive as Pep Guardiola’s men through the course of the campaign.

While the Citizens have blown away their opponents, Solskjaer’s side have relied on individual brilliance from the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford on multiple occasions. They have also built the habit of squeezing out results.

There is still a slight gap between the two sides when it comes to squad depth. And Alan Shearer has named the two positions that they must strengthen if they want to challenge for the title not just this season but beyond that. As reported by Metro, he told The Athletic:

"‘I realise that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team are top scorers in the Premier League this season, but I still think that if they had the scope to strengthen a couple of positions then one would be to add a top centre-forward.‘The other would be centre-half.‘Give them those and they can sustain a serious tilt at the title and the Champions League next season.’"

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There are certainly two positions that Manchester United need to strengthen in

It is hard to argue with Shearer here. He has hit the nail on the head when it comes to Manchester United needing a quality striker and a centre-back going forward.

Anthony Martial has failed to show any consistency this season in front of goal. On the other hand, Edinson Cavani is 34 years of age and is not a long-term solution for the Red Devils.

On the other end of the pitch is where most of their problems lie though. Defence has been a key weakness in this side and has ended up costing them vital points over the past several weeks. Thus, it is certain a position which they must strengthen in. One could argue that a playmaker is needed as well, with Paul Pogba expected to leave the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.

One thing is for sure though, Manchester United have made great progress this season under Solskjaer and it is a great sign when it comes to the club’s future.