Manchester United underwhelmed last season as they laboured to sixth place in the Premier League, failing to qualify for the Champions League in the process. As such, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will want to boost his squad ahead of the new campaign with some star quality. Here, we take a look at five players the Red Devils want to sign before the summer transfer window slams shut on August 8th...

United struggled defensively last season, conceding 54 goals in the Premier League. That was the highest total of all of the top six and was a worse record than all but one of the top 10 in England's top-tier. They have attempted to correct this already by signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace, and they have also been heavily linked to Leicester City centre-back Harry Maguire. The 2018 World Cup star has impressed with the Foxes and his country, which has attracted the attention of the 20-time English champions. The deal could be completed very soon, it is being reported.

Sean Longstaff's career may only just be beginning, but he has already made a good impression as part of Newcastle United's midfield. So much so, he has become a strong target for Manchester United this summer. It had been reported that Solskjaer and co were ready to bid £30m at the start of the month for the 21-year-old, but they were then left shocked by the Toon's £50m valuation of the midfielder. New manager Steve Bruce has stated that he wants to keep the midfielder this summer, so a big bid will be needed from the Old Trafford outfit.

Some say scoring goals is the hardest thing to do in football. Netting a hatful from the middle of the park is even harder. So one can only be impressed by the 32 times Bruno Fernandes struck for Sporting Lisbon last season. Such a danger from the midfield is always going to attract interest in the transfer market, and United are reportedly after the 24-year-old. They are understood to have made a €62m (£55.7m) offer for the Portugal international, with talks between the two continuing. Should they be able to capture their man, Fernandes would be a great addition to United's squad.

PSG's current domination of Ligue 1 may give the indication that there is a lack of talent in France, but that is not the case. Below the Parisian juggernaut, there are plenty of players who have a big future ahead of them. For example, Nicolas Pepe. The Ivory Coast scored 23 goals and provided 12 assists for Lille last season and even made the Ligue 1 team of the year. Such performances have not gone unnoticed by Manchester United, who are reportedly in advanced discussions for the 24-year-old. Could Pepe be the man to fire the Red Devils back to the top four?

Despite Tottenham reaching the Champions League final last season, Christian Eriksen does not see his future lying in North London. At least that's what he told Danish outlet Elekstra Bladet. Those comments have piqued the attention of Manchester United, who are interested in taking the former Ajax man to Old Trafford. The Red Devils see the 27-year-old as the perfect replacement should Paul Pogba leave this summer. Of course, this one could be scuppered by Daniel Levy's potential reluctance to sell to a Premier League rival, but that will not prevent United having their eyes on the attacking midfielder.