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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
John McDougall & James Quinlan

Manchester United told transfer window necessities and why goalkeeper should not be a priority

Alan Shearer insists Manchester United must sign a centre forward this summer to take the pressure off Marcus Rashford, but believes bringing in another goalkeeper should not be a transfer priority.

United's season came to an end with a defeat at Wembley at the hands of rivals Manchester City. Erik ten Hag's outfit lost 2-1 to City as Ilkay Gundogan's double sealed the FA Cup for Pep Guadiola's side, though Bruno Fernandes had equalised from the penalty spot in the first half.

However, despite the disappointing final game of the campaign, United have still had a positive first season under Ten Hag. A third placed finish in the Premier League was secured and with it the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford, while the club's search for silverware ended after six years thanks to winning the Carabao Cup.

READ MORE: Takeover questions and Wout Weghorst's wink - The United dressing room mood after City defeat

All focus at United will now be on the 2023/24 campaign and strengthening ahead of it. Reinforcements are being sought in a bid to close the gap to City, who finished the season 14 points ahead of United.

United have been heavily linked with a new centre forward this summer. Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen of Napoli are the top targets while central midfield and goalkeeper are other potential areas for reinforcements.

But former Newcastle United striker Shearer dis not feel the latter should be towards the top of the summer to-do list.

He told Match of the Day: "Definitely a centre forward. A top-class centre forward, just to take the pressure off Rashford, who has had a brilliant season with his 30 goals.

"We talked about whether a goalkeeper was a priority or not, I think there’s probably two or three - maybe even four - places ahead of a goalkeeper that they need. If they get those in then they’ll be a threat again next year, but definitely a centre forward."

Dean Henderson could depart United this summer while loanee Jack Butland will depart. David de Gea is expected to pen fresh terms to extend his deal past the summer.

A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here

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