Manchester United need 'three top-class' signings to compete - Gullit

The Dutchman feels that the Premier League champions should have shaken up their squad more thoroughly in the summer and expects the situation to be put right in January

Manchester United need to sign "three top-class footballers" if they are to compete for trophies, says former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit.

The £27.5 million purchase of Marouane Fellaini from Everton on deadline day was David Moyes's only major piece of business over the summer and the Netherlands icon believes that the lack of fresh blood in the squad has contributed to a slow start.

It is a situation which he expects to be rectified in January, however.

"They kept basically the same team and squad in the summer, which is why they are inconsistent in the Premier League. The club is also struggling to get going without Sir Alex Ferguson. They are missing his presence and his personality.

"There is no longer the man who shakes the place up internally and who has the guts to dish things out to the FA, to referees or other authorities. Ferguson always got away with his strong voice. In fact, he always came out stronger, as they would all take notice of what he said.

"David Moyes does not have that status yet and you can’t expect him to take on that role overnight."