Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Manchester United must make a big statement in the January transfer window

TV pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Mark Lawrenson believes that Manchester United need to make a big statement in the transfer market this January, arguing that they need to send a message of intent to the Premier League and beyond.

Lawrenson suggested to the Mirror that David Moyes should move for Atletico’s free-scoring forward Diego Costa, or for Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera.

“David Moyes knows he has to be more decisive and United more ruthless”, opened Lawrenson.

“He has to decide on the players that are coming to an end and make plans to move them on, as Fergie would have done. He then has to decide on the players he wants in to replace them.

“Moyes needs four or five and the chief executive Ed Woodward needs to operate in a way that reminds English – and possibly even European – football about just how big Manchester United are.

United don’t get snubbed by players. Players consider it an honour to even be linked with a move to Old Trafford.”

Lawrenson continued by suggesting targets for Moyes, before finishing by warning of the importance of settling the future of striker Robin Van Persie.

“If they can’t get the players they want in January, at least get the players they want to agree to come ahead of a summer transfer.

Look at the free-scoring Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa. What a statement he would be if United were to get him ahead of the likes of Chelsea or Liverpool, or Ander Herrera of Athletic Bilbao.”

“You bring in that type of stellar signing with their best years ahead of them, and you are back to doing what United are best at in the transfer market – snapping up the top talent around.”

“United also need to sort the van Persie situation. Whatever he may say publicly, he is clearly unsettled.

They need to find out whether he really does want to go or not once and for all.”