Soccer
Paul Parker urges Manchester United to fill vital position before end of the transfer window
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The new Premier League season may now be in full swing, but there's still time for teams to add to their squads before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The summer has seen some major spending from the Premier League sides, including at Old Trafford, where Manchester United have splashed out on a brand-new forward line.
However, former defender Paul Parker believes United still need to add to their ranks if they are to once again compete at the top end of the table.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to Netbet football betting, Parker earmarked where he'd like to see his former club strengthen before the end of the window.
"It’s obvious to me. A commanding centre midfielder is what Manchester United are after," he said.
"They have been after this for a while now, and it must be addressed or Man United will not push on.
"Offensively, I believe Man Utd will progress on last year for sure. They will score more goals, they will cause defences problems, like they did on Sunday, but they need a leader in the centre of the park.
"Casemiro just hasn’t got the legs to last 90 mins. He started well against Arsenal, but after 60 minutes, he looked leggy and couldn’t run the game. Bruno needs someone with him to relieve him on any defensive side of the game.
"Goalkeeper-wise, I would also strengthen for sure. Sunday's mistake cost United the win, and I don’t think Onana holds much confidence as well.
"If Man Utd can look to add a decent goalkeeper and centre midfielder, then the ambition can be really high."
United are looking to move on from last year's dismal season, which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and lose to Spurs in the Europa League Final.
They opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to title contenders Arsenal last weekend, but despite the loss, Parker was pleased to see an improvement from Ruben Amorim's team and believes there's optimism around the club again.
"De ligt was excellent. Cunha and Mbuemo were outstanding. Both had so much energy and forward drive and enthusiasm to make something happen," he added.
"Sesko has only just signed and will take time to get up and running, but there were plenty of positives for sure. Utd looked scared to play at home last season, but Sunday was different.
"There was so much positivity from the team, they looked like a team that wanted to get forward to score. Amad, Mbuemo, Cunha, and Fernandes are going to create plenty of chances, and once Sesko starts scoring, Man Utd will look a lot better.
"So yes, there is plenty of optimism for sure from myself and I believe the fans. If you lose but you see signs of a will to perform, then there are signs that Man Utd can improve from last season for sure.
"I see a top-half finish and a European finish, that should be the aim for sure."
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