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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Aidan McCartney

Former Manchester United star reveals four summer transfers needed after FC Barcelona loss

Manchester United suffered a chastening night in the Champions League as they were defeated 3-0 at the Nou Camp.

United were 1-0 down after the first leg at Old Trafford but the tie was soon over as Lionel Messi hit a quickfire double.

Ex-Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho rubbed salt in the wounds with superb strike to complete the scoring in the second half.

It was a disappointing night for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side with thoughts already turning to rebuilding in the summer.

Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has now outlined where he thinks Solskjaer needs to improved when the transfer window opens for business and he's expecting a busy few months.

Manchester United manager Solskjaer outlines transfer rebuild plans after FC Barcelona defeat 

He said: "I think they need four [new signings] this summer.

"I think recruitment is going to be so important for Manchester United, the director of football - Ole Gunnar [Solskjaer] is going to need that help.

"For me, today showed that they need a defensive midfield player in that position. Fred played there. He’s a ball player. Three moments in the game where he could win a challenge or stop someone and he just didn’t do that.

"I think he’s a No.8, like Pogba. I thought McTominay was terrific. Centre-back, a central midfield player and there’s got to be someone in at right winger.

"I think they’ve got a great potential but the recruitment this summer has to be spot on."

Manchester United fans send Matthijs de Ligt transfer message after Champions League goal vs Juventus 

Rio Ferdinand also joined in the recruitment chat and he thinks that it's going to a difficult summer especially if United fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

"It’s easy to say who you’re going to go for but are Man United going to be at the front of the queue now for players if you’re going to go for the top, top-level players?

"It is a giant of club and if I was a player out there and Manchester United came in for me now in today’s game, I’d be thinking: ‘Can I be one of the players that’s the catalyst to getting this club back to where it should be?’

"I still think Manchester United carry the weight in terms of the exposure the player will get once they come here. But the recruitment here in the last few years has been probably not at the level you want for this club."

United now travel to Everton on Sunday in the Premier League as they look to keep up the pace for the top four.

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