Jamie Redknapp has expressed his belief that Manchester United are "desperate" for the signing of Angel di Maria to improve their struggling side.
The Red Devils could only manage to earn a point in their Premier League clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light as Juan Mata saw his 16th-minute strike cancelled out by Jack Rodwell.
Redknapp also believes that Louis van Gaal needs to add another midfielder to his squad as well as a defender following an injury to Chris Smalling.
He told the Daily Mail: "Another week and another disappointing Man United performance. You can see why they are desperate for the Angel di Maria signing to go through. When I played United you were almost more scared on the ball because if you lost it they would be all over you in seconds.
"This side just lack pace. Di Maria can help but I'm interested to see where he will fit in with Louis van Gaal's 3-5-2 system. When a player like Di Maria becomes available, it's no wonder United go after him. But it's plain to see he is the signing they least need to make.
"Their priority has to be a defender and a deep-lying midfielder to dictate the play."
The Red Devils are next in action against the MK Dons in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.
Simon Sinclair
