Wayne Rooney says he is pleased with the ‘much-needed’ additions Manchester United have made to their attack, but feels the club still need to bring in a ‘solid midfield player’ this summer.
United have made a clear statement of intent following their dismal campaign last season, completing deals for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to help breathe new life into Ruben Amorim’s misfiring frontline.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed just seven league goals between them last term and there are hopes United’s summer signings can have a transformative effect over the coming weeks and months – starting at home to Arsenal this weekend.
However, the Red Devils are still working to further strengthen before the transfer deadline and have set their sights on Carlos Baleba on the back of the 21-year-old’s outstanding season at the heart of Brighton’s midfield.
It’s understood United failed with an opening offer to prise Baleba away from the south coast, but the Old Trafford giants are expected to test Brighton’s resolve with a follow-up bid for the young Cameroon international in due course.
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Asked whether United’s recent additions are going to provide the goals that Amorim’s side lacked last season, Rooney told the BBC’s Match of the Day programme: ‘You’d hope so.
‘It’s something that was very much needed and it’s great that they’ve identified the players they wanted quite early.
‘They’ve got Cunha in and Mbeumo and then Sesko. I think getting Sesko is a really important signing.
‘He’s a target man, a number nine, he’s quick, he can use both feet and he’s good in the air.
‘I think it’s a very important time for Manchester United.’
According to Rooney, United’s all-time record goalscorer, a more defence-minded central midfielder in the mold of Baleba would bring greater ‘control’ and give Bruno Fernandes license to push forward.
‘I still would like to see them sign a solid midfield player who is going to help control games for them, but also build up play,’ the iconic ex-United and England captain added.
‘I’d still like one more. I think Bruno, I’d like to see him pushed forward and that allows him to go forward and play forward more.
‘So I think they’ve been good signings, but I’d like to see them get one or two more.’
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, meanwhile, believes United have recruited well, but is unsure Amorim will be able to get the best out of Fernandes if he sticks with his current 3-4-3 formation.
‘I think they’re really good signings as well and United will be better,’ Murphy chimed in.
‘But if he [Amorim] persists with that formation, with a front three, and then Bruno as one of the two, which isn’t his best position because he doesn’t want to do all the defensive work.
‘He’s a creator, a match-winner and he’s one of the best creators in the Premier League.’
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