Michael Owen says Manchester United need a deeper squad and a quality centre-forward in order to become title challengers next season.
The Reds are currently third in the Premier League table although are some 15 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, albeit having played a game fewer. United have seen a drastic improvement under the tenure of Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has lifted the Carabao Cup in his debut season and finds his team in the latter stages of the Europa League and FA Cup. The campaign has not been without blip though with defeats to Brighton, Brentford and Newcastle as well as big-margin humblings against Manchester City and Liverpool.
READ MORE: Owen outlines a successful season for United
While impressed by the overall form of United this term, Owen says more needs to be done in order for them to mount a Premier League title charge next season. As per the Metro, he said: “Manchester United are doing very well at the moment.
“But when I watch them, I still don’t think, 'oh my word, Manchester United are back… They’re tearing teams apart and winning easily'. I’m still a fair way from being convinced that that’s going to happen.
“I think they’ve got the right manager in place. I think there’s a buzz about the club at the moment that they need, that every club needs.
"But I think the actual playing staff is still some way short of being… put it this way, if the league was restarting today, I wouldn’t have Manchester United as being challengers to Arsenal and Manchester City just yet.”
Ten Hag is expected to oversee more outgoings than arrivals this summer with acquisitions likely to cost inflated fees, such as top target Harry Kane. After a £225m spend last summer, United are also having to make sure they stay within Financial Fair Play regulations, too.
Owen says more depth in quality is necessary if they are to go for the Premier League crown, regardless. He added: “I still think they need more in that squad. They’re desperate for a centre-forward.
“That is an absolute must for next season. I do think that Manchester United are still a few players short. I think their squad is getting better.
“As I say, Ten Hag is doing a very good job and he looks like he’s going to be the right man. But I do think they’re short on quality compared to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City at the moment.”
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