Dimitar Berbatov sends transfer message to Manchester United as key weakness identified

Dimitar Berbatov has urged Manchester United to sign a defensive midfielder in the final days of the transfer window with Casemiro struggling.

United's midfield was left exposed again during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, with Casemiro often left isolated. Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr were the driving force for Ange Postecoglou's side, having been allowed time and space in the middle of the park.

Erik ten Hag is yet to find a balance with Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes further forward, especially away from home against top sides. The Dutchman has admitted he is open to further signings between now and September 1, and Berbatov believes focus should be on midfield.

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"I think Casemiro needs to do better from the standards that he has shown over years and years at Real Madrid and last year at United," Berbatov told Betfair. "The standards for him to perform are really high.

"The first couple of games, he is not at the standard that we saw of him, and I'm pretty sure that he knows it. The team are not playing as well as everybody expected them to play and if they don't wake up, the season will be gone and it will be another wasted season.

"Casemiro's support in midfield is a good question for the manager, does he think that Casemiro is getting enough support? If not, how can he fix it? If he's getting enough support then they continue the same way, another defensive midfield player, McTominay hasn't played yet, he's someone that is of a good quality and is young and hungry to improve and show his talent.

"If