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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Dimitar Berbatov advises Erik ten Hag over two Man Utd transfers ahead of window

Dimitar Berbatov has called on Manchester United to make a new striker and a centre-half their two summer priorities.

The Red Devils have taken strides forward under Erik ten Hag this term, but new faces are needed if the club are to get back to the heights of yesteryear. Over £200m was spent last summer and United will need to continue investing to address problem areas in the squad.

A No. 9 has long been cited as the priority, which Berbatov agrees with, as he questioned whether they have a prolific marksman. Marcus Rashford has stepped up impressively this term, but there has been an over-reliance on the Englishman with few others contributing in front of goal.

Centre-half, despite new signings being made in that position in recent seasons, has also been highlighted as an area that needs strengthening by the former Red Devil. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have formed an impressive partnership, but beyond them, there are doubts about the cover.

Berbatov told Betfred: "They need a striker, for sure. It's been spoken about so much before. For me, it's the priority for United in the summer transfer window because they need that player that's going to get them over 20 goals a season. Who's it going to be? We need to wait and see.

"I also believe they need to buy a centre-back this summer and it's a must, in my opinion. I believe that United are pretty much covered in every other area of the pitch, but if they don’t have that consistency, then they're going to drop points when they shouldn't drop points and end up in a similar position next season."

Harry Kane is considering a move away from Tottenham (Getty Images)

Harry Kane has been earmarked as their ideal target with the Tottenham man considering his own future in north London. His contract is winding down but if he is to secure an exit then United will have to strike a deal with Daniel Levy, who is known to be a ruthless negotiator and may demand £100m for the striker.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen is another man on their shortlist with the Nigerian and his employers potentially open to his sale, especially if a mammoth bid comes in.

In defence, much may depend on who stays and who goes with several centre halves considering their futures. Harry Maguire is perhaps the most high-profile of those with the club captain falling down the pecking order and struggling for minutes. He's faced critics throughout his time in Manchester and may seek a new challenge.

Victor Lindelof is another man whose minutes have been cut following Martinez's arrival whilst the likes of Eric Bailly will return from loan spells away.

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