Predicting who Manchester United will be linked with signing next is becoming just as difficult a task as correctly picking out Saturday night's winning Lotto numbers.
In a week that has seen United lose their Premier League opener and be forced into an embarrassing transfer climbdown because of an angry backlash from the supporters, it is impossible to predict what the club will do next in their efforts to add fresh blood to Erik ten Hag's squad. United's interest in bringing Marko Arnautovic to the club disappeared as quickly as it emerged, but it is a moment in the club's recent history that won't be forgotten any time soon.
The transfer window closes in under a month and United, so far, have only managed to get three new faces through the door. No disrespect to Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, but it has hardly inspired United's fans to believe that a successful first season of the Ten Hag era lies ahead, particularly after Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Brighton.
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It is why United have now reached panic stations in their search for fresh faces ahead of the fast-approaching deadline. Adrien Rabiot, who United are currently locked in talks with, is an alternative option to number one target Frenkie de Jong, while they also want a new forward.
But it is not just in central-midfield and up front where United need fresh blood, they also need to add to other areas of their armoury. With that in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at four positions the club need to strengthen in before the bell sounds at 11pm on September 1.
Right-back
Although the opportunity to sign Malacia, in the eyes of Ten Hag, was too good an opportunity to turn down, given the Dutchman's exciting potential, it is at right-back where United's focus on strengthening their full-back options should have been. It is an area of the pitch that has lacked sufficient quality in recent years and an upgrade is needed before the end of the window.
Diogo Dalot has quickly established himself as Ten Hag's first-choice option, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka free to leave if the right offer crops up. However, despite the Portuguese ace's encouraging pre-season performances, doubts remain about his defensive qualities.
United need to strengthen that side of the defence as a leading priority, otherwise it has the potential to come back to bite them. Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries is a player that continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Central midfield
With less than a month to go until the window closes, it is quite remarkable that this problem remains unsolved. United have known throughout the summer that strengthening their central-midfield options is a leading priority.
In fairness to the club, they have listened to Ten Hag's wishes and are continuing to do all they can to land De Jong. However, the longer that saga drags on, the more unlikely it becomes that he will be donning United red within the next few weeks.
Rabiot, should all go according to plan, is likely to become United's next signing, and he will offer something different in the engine room. But fans are split on him, and it is easy to understand why. Though he is an upgrade on Scott McTominay and Fred, he is not at De Jong's level and there are serious doubts about his character. Ideally, they need another midfield signing to go with him.
Right wing
Another task that has been on Ten Hag's to-do list all summer long, yet United are still no closer to landing a right-winger. Ajax ace Antony had been earmarked as their top target but the Dutch giants were unwilling to let go of one of their star assets after seeing so many other players leave this summer, ultimately pricing the Reds out of a move.
In pre-season, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford often rotated in the role, with the former starting on that side of the pitch against Brighton. But considering his best performances in a United shirt have so far come from the left, Ten Hag may well see him on that side of the pitch once he has finished adding new pieces to the jigsaw.
United need a goal-threat from that side of the pitch and options are proving limited. But in a bid to revamp their right-side, along with the addition of a right-back, they need fresh blood, at least to provide healthy competition.
Striker
Whether Cristiano Ronaldo stays or not, United need fresh blood up front. In a campaign that is going to feature a Europa League adventure and a World Cup slap bang in the middle of it, the importance of strength in depth cannot be emphasised enough.
After Edinson Cavani departed at the end of last season, United have been left with just two strikers in Anthony Martial and Ronaldo. The latter's future is in serious doubt and Martial's record of eight goals in his last two seasons for United doesn't offer encouragement, despite a promising pre-season.
United must recruit a new striker to add some competition, but it needs to be an addition that makes sense and encourages the fans. Someone young and on an upward trajectory, already with good pedigree, would be ideal, as opposed to re-writing history with a Cavani or Odion Ighalo-type signing.
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