Manchester United can solve position problem for free this summer - but there's a catch

Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, this summer's transfer window will be one of the most important in Manchester United's history.

The club is on course to record their lowest-ever Premier League finish and only winning the Europa League can save their season from being a complete disaster.

Ruben Amorim's appointment in November was supposed to mark the beginning of a much-needed change at Old Trafford. However, it has become increasingly clear that only multiple transfer windows will turn that dream into a reality.

United need to start afresh this summer by cutting their cloth and saying farewell to several players who have outstayed their welcome. Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen, who are both out-of-contract, should lead the departures.

Despite Amorim's suggestion that United will still be able to "call all the best players" with or without Champions League qualification in the future, the reality is that a place in Europe's premier club competition will make them a far more attractive option for prospective signings.

If United do win the Europa League this season and secure Champions League qualification for next, the financial rewards that come with it will be welcomed. United need as many cash injections as they can get.

But for the amount of work that needs to be done to the squad, United's budget, regardless of their European status, is unlikely to be able to cover all bases in one window. United will have a list of priorities and signing a striker has to be the leading objective.

United have been short of goals throughout the season and they desperately need an established No.9 to come in and hit the ground running.

But with Eriksen poised to depart when his contract expires and United