Top 5 positions Manchester United must strengthen this summer

The transition period at Manchester United was expected to be dreadful. Nevertheless, 18 points off the league leaders and seventh in the league table with only seven games left to be played was quite never really foreseen in David Moyes' first season at the club. The current Manchester United squad are much better than what their league position reckons them to be. But inconsistent and under performing players have had a significant influence on the Red Devils' miserable season so far. It appears that a squad which could triumph in the Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson simply cannot qualify for a Champions League spot under the former Everton boss. David Moyes or the players; who among them should be blamed for the club's despairing season is a question that still remains to be answered. Although, if David Moyes is to stay as Manchester United manager beyond the end of this season, the Scot will need to go on a spending spree in the transfer market to re-establish the club's clout and to challenge for the English title and Europe's elite competition. With reinforcements essential in many departments, we look at the potential positions where Manchester United must strengthen this summer to avoid another dismal season.

#1 Centre back

With club captain Nemanja Vidic leaving and Rio Ferdinand expected to retire at the end of the season, Manchester United will dive into the transfer market in hunt of a world class centre half. David Moyes will necessarily need a strong back four to build his own fortress at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils' defense has been sloppy this season. Conceding soft goals in the final quarter of the game has been a noteworthy quality under David Moyes, which were very few and far under Sir Alex Ferguson.

It looks unlikely that Moyes will gamble and go ahead with only his current set of centre backs Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, who are notably injure-prone and quite inexperienced to be considered as regulars for Manchester United.

A couple of interesting options might be the Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund.

#2 Left back

Patrice Evra has been a great player for Manchester United over the years, but he is past his prime years and must be shown the door this summer. Evra's contract at the club terminates at the end of the season and there has been no speculation about his contract extension.

Moyes was looking to replace the French International last summer, when the Scot made two bids to buy his former player Leigthon Baines, both of which were later turned down by Everton. However Evra, who will turn 33 this May, has been observed to exhibit a clear lack of awareness in defense and has made a lot of untidy errors at the back.

David Moyes may opt to enter the bidding war for Southampton full back Luke Shaw, with Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao also a potential target.

#3 Central Defensive Midfielder

Sir Alex Ferguson failed to successfully replace club legend Paul Scholes, who was the heart and soul of United's midfield for almost two decades. While Michael Carrick has also failed to deliver fans' expectations this season after an impressive spell last year, the England International was a star performer for the Reds when they clinched the club's 20th Premier League title.

Although, signing a defensive midfielder is not a 'must do' business for Moyes, reports suggest Manchester United are closing in on Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho. United have also been linked with Juventus pair Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, who left the club for free less than two years ago.

The English giants could be interested to do business for this position if the right player is available for the right price who can dominate the midfield and provide a helping hand to the back four.

#4 Central Midfielder

David Moyes' utmost priority this summer will be to solve Manchester United's midfield problems. The Red Devils have been lacking creativity and quality in the middle of the pitch for the past few seasons.

Manchester United can not afford to compromise in this area of the field and they must land a world class creative midfielder to fight for the Premier League title. However, with Champions League qualification unlikely for next season, the Red Devils' owners - the Glazer family - will have to raise their budget this transfer market to lure excellent players to the club.

Bayern Munich Toni Kroos has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford while there are a number of possible midfield targets who could end up at a struggling Manchester United side next season.

#5 Winger

We haven't seen David Moyes' Man United creating too many chances from the wings. Adnan Januzaj has arguably been one of the most influencial player for the Reds this term, but the 19-year-old will have to wait for a season or two to be considered a regular at Old Trafford.

Luis Nani has been out injured for majority of the season while Ashley Young has never really lived up to fans' expectations since his move from Aston Villa in June 2011.

With club record signing Juan Mata playing out of postion on the flanks, David Moyes understands the significance of play in wider postiions and may plan to secure the signatures of Manchester United's rumoured top target Marco Reus with the English winger Adam Lallana also in contention.