Graeme Souness has suggested that struggling Manchester United should sign John McGinn and Jarrod Bowen.
The Red Devils’ transfer business has come under increasing scrutiny with their summer additions failing to address their problems.
New manager Erik ten Hag has brought in Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, Christian Eriksen on a free transfer and full-back Tyrell Malacia.
But they have gone on to lose their opening two Premier League games, with a 4-0 drubbing to Brentford one of the lowest moments in their recent history.
The new signings have failed to address their area of greatest need – midfield.
And Souness, a three-time European Cup and five-time league title winner for Liverpool who was one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, believes they should target two tried and trusted Premier League players.
“Man United traditionally go out and sign the best players,” Souness said on talkSPORT. “They can still go out and sign the best players, but a different type of player.
“If you were going out to strengthen where would you? Is it a midfielder player, striker, defender or goalkeeper?
“I would be looking at that midfield. We come back to the type of player that played in midfield against Brentford, if they get the wind behind them they take some stopping.
“You have to meet fire with fire. Man United didn’t have a player in midfield that could stand up and make that kind of challenge.
“I like John McGinn. I think he would be a fabulous player for Man United and wants to get involved in that.
“If that’s the way it’s going to be then I’m going to be up for it.
“I’m sorry to repeat myself, but they have made some terrible football decisions. Being Man United you pay a premium.
“If you phone up a French club, Spanish club, they stick 20 per cent on top. That’s the ticket of being at Man United.”
On Bowen, he added: “That’s another one. I know it’s a Man United programme today and I know we’ve got lots of listeners who are Man United fans, but that’s another one who would be ideal for Man United.
“Warrior types. That’s what Man United need.
“He’s non-stop. He goes no matter what and that’s what Man United are crying out for.
“They are going for the icing on the cake before they’ve even baked the cake.”
Souness, meanwhile, has warned it is not too early into Ten Hag’s reign for him to be under serious pressure.
The Dutchman has only had two games in charge of United and has already had to lay down the law, calling in his players for extra training on Sunday after the humiliation at Brentford.
“I think it’s a difficult time for Man United,” Souness added.
“I’m not sure with this group of players and this manager they are going to be any different to where they were last year.
“The players they’ve brought in are not game changers for me. I think the clock is ticking on him already. That’s the nature of being Man United manager at this time.
“They expect big things from him, he’s been successful at Ajax in what is a much inferior league to the Premier League.
“The demands there are nothing like what he’s got on his shoulders in the Premier League and managing what is arguably the biggest club in the world.”
When asked if he could even be shown the door should United suffer another heavy defeat to Liverpool next Monday – live on talkSPORT – Souness replied: “Don’t be surprised by surprises in football.”
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