Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has insisted that the club must strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City in the first leg of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
After a poor first-half performance which saw Pep Guardiola's side race into a 3-0 lead at the break, Marcus Rashford managed to reduce the deficit but City ran out comfortable winners.
Despite beating the champions of England when the two teams met in the Premier League earlier this season, there was no repeat by United this time around.
Without Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba , Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial in their starting XI, their players were overawed in midfield.
It's for that reason that Fletcher has insisted United must bring in reinforcements in January to help their young players.
"I think so (they need to buy in January)," he told Sky Sports after the defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.
"Seeing that tonight, you take Harry Maguire out of the team, Paul Pogba isn't there, Scott McTominay, all of a sudden, it's a light squad anyway, but they look young, naive, weak and I think the club will look to bring someone in.
"They won't buy anyone for the sake of it but I'm sure they will be active to try and bring someone in to try to help these young players."
