Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has some of the tools to guide Manchester United to success, but need further reinforcements according to Paul Merson.
The Norwegian boss is happy with his summer signings, but needs to add to his new recruits to create a well balanced squad capable of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City for success.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder has picked out what United need to force a title battle with their greatest rivals over the next few seasons – young, hungry players who can become stars.
Merson told the Daily Star: “If Manchester United go big in January I hope they spend it on the right players.
“They have blown so much cash on older players have come and been a failure.
“If they’re spending in the next window, I hope they go young again.
“Look at all the players who have done well this season.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, even Daniel James looks a good player. And they are all the right age.”
United have had a mixed start to the Premier League season having won two of their opening five fixtures, with the club fighting to get back into the Champions League.
Merson reckons that Maguire, who joined from Leicester for £85million, could be the catalyst for future success.
He added: “Build a team for two or three years down the line.
“Maguire will still be in his prime and the younger players will have grown up around him.
“Plan for the future. You can’t take on City or Liverpool right now. You’re not catching them. Don’t blow your money on another Alexis Sanchez.
“Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has got it right by putting his faith in the young players and buying players with their best years still to come. They should carry on doing that.
“You just always get the sense with United that it’s “watch this space.” They could win 2-1 or lose 4-0 and it wouldn’t surprise you.
“West Ham will give them a test this weekend though. They will cause a few teams problems this season. They have a lot of talented forwards, they just lack a cutting edge.”