Manchester United’s resurgence rests on signing a new No.9 [VIDEO]

Many have argued that Manchester United’s troubles lie at the back, in desperate need of a quality center-half. But recent midfield investments have neglected the squad’s balance, creating a bigger concern in attack.

There is growing discontent among fans surrounding the vacancy of the No.9 shirt at Old Trafford. Strong rumours have circulated around a surprise signing potentially filling the void – that was until van Gaal gave a less-than-encouraging response after United’s preseason win over San Jose Earthquakes, stating “I don’t know if I want to buy a striker. I have read in the media that a striker is the surprise. No, that I have not said”.

From Manchester United’s 62 goals last season, 17 came from the now departed Robin van Persie (10), Angel Di Maria (three) and Ramadel Falcao (four). Another 12 were from the boot of Wayne Rooney, recently backed by van Gaal to lead the line this season – gone are the days of deploying him as a second striker, No.10 or even central-midfielder. The manager will be hoping Rooney can replicate something close to the 27 goals he scored during the 2011-2012 season as United’s main hitman.

With the Englishman turning 30 in October, there is no doubt his best years are now behind him. Although still more than capable of the role, it is overly optimistic to think he can play every week of the gruelling campaign. Along with a natural decline in performance, Rooney is sure to face an increase in injuries with such a heavy schedule. Playing time will need to be managed, and with only Javier Hernandez and James Wilson left in reserve, United look precariously toothless in his absence.

There is no argument around the quality of players van Gaal has signed this season, but the positions targeted are unbalanced. The most recent acquisitions of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin were excessive, simply because either one would have been sufficient to strengthen an area of the park where the Red Devils are not exactly lacking. Memphais Depay is undoubtedly a star of the future, but the Dutchman would have been better served signing a winger who has the ability to play anywhere across a front three, providing the team more flexibility. A player such as Thomas Muller could have been the type to play in wide positions and expertly deputise for Rooney up front when necessary. Even the recent £43.3m sale of Angel Di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain could have provided a great opportunity for van Gaal to secure another striker as part exchange – Edison Cavani or Zlatan Imbrahimovic immediately come to mind.

Fortunately for United the club still sits at the table of Europe’s elite, which allows them to attract top line talent. If their place is to be kept though, focus needs to be adjusted and smarter purchases made, providing balance and flexibility to a lopsided squad.

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With the room for error decreasing each year in the Premier League, it is imperative the top clubs stay ahead of the curb through intelligent investment. The brief downturn United experienced during Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure has seemingly been stabilised by heavy spending, but to shift back into title contention this spending must be made in the positions required. If money continues to go toward players purely due to availability or pedigree alone, they will find themselves once again slipping back behind the pack.

The next item on United’s shopping list must be the appropriate signing. Do not bother getting out the chequebook unless it is a quality forward, with the flexibility the squad requires. Anything less and van Gaal faces the very real prospect of loosing touch with the top four.

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