Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal expects his team to be challenging on all fronts next season, but in order to do this there needs to be a few new additions to the first team squad. People ask what do Manchester United need this summer. By no means is this list definitive, but it should give some food for thought.
Right Back
United really need to get a good right back this summer, as at the minute it looks like Rafael da Silva is set to leave the club. Essentially, this just leaves Antonio Valencia who, despite playing in this position for much of last season, isn't really a right back. This should be an essential position for United to invest in this summer - and quickly.
There has been different names branded around in the media such as Nathaniel Clyne, Fabinho and Dani Alves. It looks, at the moment, that United are in talks with Fabinho of Monaco, but so far have been unable to agree a fee that suits both parties. Perhaps on reflection, United would be better agreeing a fee quickly in order to settle him before the new season starts.
Centre Back
It is imperative for United that they sign a world class centre back this summer, and preferably a strong leader - something that the Manchester club have lacked in recent years, since the departure of Nemanja Vidic. A new centre back must be a priority signing this summer, as Van Gaal's side were often shaky at the back during their last campaign, lacking a sense of stability.
The main names being bandied about in the media lately, have been Sergio Ramos, Nicolas Otamendi and Mats Hummels. All would be valuable additions to the first team squad, but United's attention seems to be on the capture of Real Madrid man Ramos.
At least one - perhaps two - central midfielders
Van Gaal's side are severely lacking in options when it comes to the centre of midfield, and in particular Michael Carrick's position as he has suffered during the last couple of seasons with injuries. Not so long ago, the United boss Van Gaal said that this was a priority, which is what the fans needed to hear. If possible, two new transfers would bring potential depth to the site, but at the very least United need to capture one.
The targets for midfield seem to be Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Ilkay Gundogan. Any of these players would strengthen this Manchester United squad for the coming season.
A striker
Last season, one of the big problems with Van Gaal's squad was the frontline, as they just couldn't score the amount of goals that is required to make a team title contenders. United need a striker who will provide this and someone who will preferably have pace to get in behind the defence.
The targets that have been mentioned are Karim Benzema, Harry Kane and Carlos Bacca. If United were able to sign any of these strikers then they will have done a good job. Benzema would perhaps be the best option but it seems unlikely that Real Madrid would be willing to let him depart.
Goalkeeper (if De Gea does leave)
A goalkeeper may have to be purchased, especially with the increasingly likely transfer of David de Gea to Real Madrid this summer. United will need a high quality player between the sticks to replace De Gea, as Victor Valdes is widely believed by fans to only be a valuable back-up, and not the Spaniard's natural successor.
There have been a number of different targets mentioned for United to sign this summer, such as Hugo Lloris, Jasper Cillessen and Peter Cech. Cech has all but confirmed his move to Arsenal this week - so that leaves two other potenial options in Cillessen and Lloris.
Overall, if United aree able to sort out these positions this summer then the title charge for next season will well and truly be on. United move out for their pre-season tour of the United States in just three weeks, so Van Gaal may be looking to do his business earlier than expected.
Watch this space.