Rio Ferdinand thinks Man Utd still need another centre-back in the summer transfer window if they are to challenge for the title.
The Red Devils lost 2-1 to Leicester City last night to hand neighbours Man City the Premier League title with three matches to go.
Man Utd have closed the gap on the leaders this season after finishing 33 points behind runaway champions Liverpool last campaign.
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And there is a growing belief that Man Utd can start thinking about challenging for a title if they bring in the right players.
The Red Devils continue to be linked with a host of signings ahead of the summer but Ferdinand thinks there’s one particular position they should be improving.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: “I think Manchester United’s prime position for them to strengthen, to really improve and become a team who can compete is centre-back. To get a partner for Harry Maguire who you go, actually every week he produces, he’s there.
“At the moment there’s too many players centre-forwards especially who probably are looking when they get in the tunnel and are thinking, ‘I’ve got a chance here. I think I can smell a chance.’ ‘
“Whereas the teams who do really well, [Ruben] Dias and [John] Stones at the back at the moment in the past four or five months, teams are looking at them and thinking it’s going to be very difficult for me today.
“I don’t think they get that feeling right now when they play against the centre-backs at Manchester United.”
As well as a centre-back, Ferdinand is convinced that Man Utd must bring in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland in an effort to beat off the competition.
“You have to go and get him,” Ferdinand added. “You can’t allow him to go anywhere else.
“If you’re Manchester United and you want to close the gap on the teams in the Premier League and in Europe then you’ve got to go and get the best available.
“That’s what Manchester United have been accustomed to doing in years gone by. If they want to be thought of as a team who can compete at the top end, when those players become available you have to go and get them.”