Manchester United need a winger like Antonio Valencia and there is an obvious target

Barring a stunning resurgence, a conservative estimate would suggest Manchester United need another seven signings next summer: back-up goalkeeper, right-back, centre-back, two central midfielders, a winger and a goalscorer.

Tom Heaton, 38 in April, is out of contract in the summer and so is the brittle 35-year-old Jonny Evans. Something has to give with Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire while Aaron Wan-Bissaka's deal includes a one-year option that is expected to be triggered to preserve his resale value.

Unless Sofyan Amrabat performs like a demon over the next six months, it would be brainless to accept Fiorentina's proposal of a €20million offer to buy. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, both 32 in February, have succumbed to injury, Antony is a dud and his namesake Martial is another flaky Frenchman United have to release.

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That is without mentioning the meek Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho, players United must endeavour to sever ties with in January. Seven signings is quite modest.

Two forwards is the minimum requirement to sharpen a blunt attack. Marcus Rashford is the only United forward who has scored in the Premier League and he has eked one goal in 16 club appearances. Bruno Fernandes has been responsible for three winning goals and four defenders have chipped in with winners.

Rasmus Hojlund is the highest scorer in the Champions League group stage, only a Hojlund goal has become a kiss of death. United have lost all three matches he has struck in.

In the Premier League, it is nine games and no goals for Hojlund. The 20-year-old has not struggled for chances,