Paul Scholes identifies the player Manchester United must sign before transfer deadline

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged the club to bolster their options in attack with the addition of a ‘proven’ centre-forward this summer.

The Red Devils have been busy in the transfer market on the back of an immensely disappointing Premier League campaign, wrapping up deals for Lille defender Leny Yoro, 18, and Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee, 23, in recent days.

But United are working behind the scenes to further strengthen Erik ten Hag’s first-term squad before the transfer deadline, with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt believed at the top of their wishlist.

Manuel Ugarte is another name who continues to be heavily linked, but United have had multiple offers knocked back by Paris Saint-Germain and may be forced to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.

There are hopes that Zirkzee’s arrival will ease the load on Rasmus Hojlund, who managed just ten goals across an up-and-down debut season at Old Trafford on the back of a £64million move.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Scholes argued that United’s over-reliance on an Hojlund had been ‘unfair’ and encouraged his former side to bring in an experienced striker to help out in the goalscoring department.

‘When I think about Manchester United, I think about brilliant centre-forwards,’ the legendary ex-United and England midfielder said.

‘I think they’ve had one young one last year in Rasmus Hojlund who they have had to rely on and it was a little bit unfair. He’s a young player, still learning the game.

‘They’ve bought another young one [Zirkzee]… I would like to see an experienced centre-forward come and help with that and virtually guarantee goals.

‘Whether that man is out there, I don’t know. But I think they need somebody who is proven and somebody who is proven and go on and be successful next year.’

Turning his attentions from club to international football, Scholes picked out Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola as two managers who could replace Gareth Southgate and succeed in charge of England.

‘A lot of people would agree that it would be Eddie Howe at this minute. He’s doing a great job at Newcastle, he’s a fantastic coach,’ Scholes replied when quizzed on possible candidates for the Three Lions job.

‘He’s doing a great job at Newcastle, he’s a fantastic coach.

‘Can he take them to that next level? I don’t know. But I think he’s the one most likely that he would be most capable.

‘I think somebody like Pep with this group of players, I think he’d get them over the line.

‘If that’s possible, I don’t know, but I think he would be the ideal man to take this team forward.’

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