Signing Harry Kane would propel Manchester United towards a Premier League title challenge, says Rene Meulensteen - but the former Old Trafford coach doubts such a transfer is possible.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United finished third in the League last season to qualify for Champions League football, but have found the summer transfer window tough going so far.
While Chelsea have been busy signing the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva - and with Kai Havertz to follow - the pressure is on United to follow suit and make quality additions.
The Red Devils have completed a £40million deal for Ajax playmaker Donny van de Beek, but their pursuit of priority target Jadon Sancho appears to have stalled over Borussia Dortmund's £108m fee as well as the England winger's personal terms.
A title challenge looks unlikely unless Man City and champions Liverpool both suffer a downturn in results this term, while United will also be wary of the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Leicester City again.
Meulensteen was a long-time assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at United, and believes that a world-class forward is vital if Solskjaer is to mount a title bid.
United were interested in England captain Harry Kane earlier this year, but Tottenham were adamant that their star striker would not be sold under any circumstances.
The effect of the shutdown on club's finances means United's prospects of signing a top striker such as Kane are limited this summer, but Meulensteen believes such a signing would ignite the club's title prospects.
"What is vitally important is that United need to have a really good start to the season, so they don't lose any ground and they are in there and they can keep competing," Meulensteen told talkSPORT. "That will grow the belief.
"I think with maybe another good signing, I keep saying they should bring in a really top, top striker.
"For instance, if they were able to get Kane – which I don't think they can – but if they could get Kane, I would say 'yes, they will compete for the title next year."
