5 Positions Manchester United Must Bolster in the Summer Transfer Window

Given Manchester United's recent underwhelming performances, it is clear that the squad would still benefit from some bolstering. 

Having remained relatively inactive during the January transfer window, it would seem likely that the summer will be a busy one for Ed Woodward. 

Let's take a look at the five positions which are most in need of additions or upgrades once summer arrives.

Right-Back

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Antonio Valencia may have won Manchester United player of the month for January, but he is still not a natural defender, and his attacking prowess has rarely matched his peak in recent years. 

That he has played so many games outside of his natural position, at right-back or at wing-back, is evidence of United's need to strengthen this position. 

While at his best Rafael is an excellent exponent of the full-back art, he has had far too many injuries for United to rely on him alone in the long run. 

Paddy McNair's nascent, impressive performances in the role will minimise the need to strengthen here should he continue to improve, but even if he does, more strength in depth would benefit the squad.

Centre-Back

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The shambolic defending on display against Burnley offered plentiful evidence that United still need to strengthen at centre-back. 

Every one of Louis van Gaal's senior centre-halves has suffered injuries this season, and even when fit there have been plenty of mistakes. 

A commanding centre-half, in the prime-Nemanja Vidic mould, seems a must in the summer.

Centre-Midfield

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United are okay for numbers in the centre of midfield, but the balance of available personnel is not right.

Wayne Rooney's reinvention as a box-to-box midfielder is yet to prove a definitive success. There are plenty of good—and varied—attacking midfielders, and indeed options, in Michael Carrick and Daley Blind, in defensive midfield.

However, an all-rounder in the Kevin Strootman vein is still missing from the squad. Signing one would allow Van Gaal additional tactical flexibility, and it could be the key to getting the best out of the superstar attackers.

Wide-Forward

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Angel Di Maria, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia are probably the only natural wide-forwards in the squad.

Adnan Januzaj has played as one, but it is not yet clear whether that or a more central role would suit him better. 

For Van Gaal to regularly be able to play 4-3-3, another winger with pace, power and quality should be added to the squad.

Centre-Forward?

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United currently have three centre-forwards on their books who have been among the best in the world at various points in their careers. That is why there is a question mark in the title here. If, say, two of the three are able to recover their best form then, with the ever-improving James Wilson, there will probably be no need to improve in the centre-forward spot. 

However, it is a huge if. Radamel Falcao has put up decent numbers of goals and assists, but his overall performances have not been close to his best. Robin van Persie has drifted in and out of form, and Rooney has been semi-permanently re-deployed to midfield. 

It may be that what appeared to be United's best-catered-for position at the beginning of this season will need bolstering in the summer.