Former Manchester United star Phil Neville believes the club need two or three signings in this January transfer window to compete for a top four finish.
United are considering moves for a midfielder and a striker this month, although Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also suggested that the club may not complete any business at all.
Solskjaer continues to be backed by Ed Woodward to oversee a long-term rebuild of the club, but the Norwegian is also under pressure to secure a top four finish this season. And Neville believes United need signings in the short term to fulfil their aims.
"They have to be," Neville told BBC 5 Live when asked if United need to show patience with Solskjaer.
"To be fair, I think results like the Carabao Cup aren’t really a surprise considering the quality of the squad.
"Ole knows that he has to bring in two or three real top players .
"That squad is not good enough to probably challenge for the league and to get into the top four is going to take absolutely everything they’ve got. United have to give Ole time, they have to back him in the transfer market."
The former United full back then added that United must make at least two January signings to clinch a top four finish. United are currently behind Chelsea in the race for fourth place and qualification for next season's Champions League.
"I think they need a couple of players now," added Neville.
"I’m not so sure he can wait, that team needs reinforcements to have any kind of chance to have some kind of consistency.
"That’s been their biggest problem but when a team like City plays like they did in midweek it’s no surprise because United can’t play at that level yet and it’s unrealistic to think that they can."
