Paul Merson believes Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the key player that Manchester United "are missing", as well as a creative midfielder.
Aubameyang has established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe since moving to north London from Borussia Dortmund for £57 million.
But the Gunners captain has less than 18 months to run on his deal at the Emirates, and there has been no progress on talks over a new contract.
With Arsenal facing the prospect of losing their star asset for nothing, there has been speculation linking Aubameyang with a move away.
Barcelona are one of several clubs interested, with sporting director Eric Abidal previously admitting that the La Liga side are admirers of the Arsenal forward.
Recent reports have also linked Manchester United with a summer move for last season's Golden Boot winner.
With Marcus Rashford facing a prolonged period on the sidelines with a back injury and uncertainty over Odion Ighalo's long-term future at Old Trafford, Aubameyang has been touted as the elite level forward United require to challenge at the top.
And Merson believes the 30-year-old would be perfect for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side - along with an attacking midfielder like Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.
"Aubameyang is what Manchester United are missing," Merson wrote on Sky Sports.
"He is a goal scorer and goal scorers are priceless.
"If you look at United and the way they played against Manchester City a couple of weeks ago, I thought they were very, very good.
"You looked at them and thought they have got a chance, especially if they could also get hold of a couple more players, especially a creative midfielder.
"You couldn't help but be impressed with their performance and if they were to sign Aubameyang and they also got someone like a Jack Grealish, are they big players? They would be a major force, in my opinion.
"They are crying out for someone who is going to score them 20 to 25 goals, and that's what Aubameyang can bring. He gets you 25 goals without even breaking sweat.
"Add a Grealish if they can get him and then you've got Bruno Fernandes as well playing in behind a striker, Manchester United will be a major force."
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