Alan Shearer has said Manchester United need to sign another centre forward before the transfer deadline to reach 'the next level', following their 2-0 defeat to Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League season.
The former England captain's comments come with just a week remaining in the summer transfer window, as United's business has come under scrutiny after they were 'outthought and outmuscled' by the newly-promoted side.
United's summer spending and squad gaps
The Red Devils prioritised strengthening central midfield, bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba from Premier League rivals. However, this spending has come at the expense of adding depth in defence and attack, both of which were exposed in the defeat to Hull.
With Benjamin Sesko still recovering from a shin injury and Joshua Zirkzee seemingly surplus to requirements, United lacked a focal point in attack. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have both deputised in the role, but Shearer believes United desperately need an out-and-out striker to keep pace with their rivals.
Shearer's assessment of United's needs
'I do think for them to go to the next level they need another striker,' Shearer told Metro. 'I don't think they're good enough defensively, but I do think they're also lacking in the centre-forward position.'
He added: 'Clearly, Sesko wasn't fit. They brought him on in the second half and he missed a couple of decent chances, but I do think that to go to the next level, they might need another centre-forward. Having said that, I guess you could say that with many clubs. Where do you get them from? That's the big thing.'
Fixture congestion and Champions League return
Adding urgency to United's need for attacking depth is their increased fixture load following their return to the Champions League. United played just 40 games last campaign, their fewest since 1914-15, but could play as many as 60 matches this time around should they reach the latter stages of European or domestic cup competitions.
Shearer, a Betfair Ambassador, highlighted the toll of travelling: 'It's not so much the games, it was the travelling that's for me that was the toughest thing. I quite enjoyed the games. You're going away; you're playing in the iconic stadiums against the best teams. Obviously, there is a greater chance of injury, but I found the travelling that is the tiresome thing that weighs on you mentally as the season drags on.'
Looking ahead to Ipswich Town clash
United will look to get back to winning ways this weekend at home against Ipswich Town, but Shearer insists Carrick's side must improve in every department to get their season properly up and running.
'It looked to me as if they just rocked up to Hull expecting to win, when in reality, if you're going away to a newly promoted club, to their ground on the opening day of the season, you know that the minimum you have to do is match them for effort and commitment,' he said. 'Man United didn't do that from the first minute, so they deserved to be beaten and they were embarrassed.'
'They've got the perfect game, I guess, or is it the most difficult game? Another promoted club at home this time. You would expect a different attitude, a different result and a different performance.'
