Gary Neville tells Manchester United to sign a striker after Swansea City loss

Neville is convinced it will happen, despite United giving little indication they are in the market for a front player as the Tuesday 6pm deadline approaches.

After a 2-1 defeat to Swansea in the Premier League, Neville said United lack firepower in their squad.

He said: "If (Javier) Hernandez leaves, they've got one striker. I'm not classing Fellaini as a striker. They've got one striker in Wayne Rooney."

He also claimed it would be "a big problem" for United if goalkeeper David De Gea leaves and is not suitably replaced.

He added: "They won't just wake up and think, 'Oh, we've lost a game, we're going to panic and sign four players' - they've probably always wanted to bring in players - but watching them, they need players.

"They need to sort the goalkeeping situation out. That is a big problem. If De Gea leaves and they don't get another goalkeeper in..."

Sergio Romero might have done better for both Swansea goals on Sunday at the Liberty Stadium, where the 28-year-old Argentinian was again standing in for first choice De Gea, who has been taken out of the firing line by manager Louis van Gaal while Real Madrid's interest remains a distraction.

"They've got the goalkeeper Romero and I said before the game the jury's out; I think today it's even more out."

Neville added: "From Manchester United's point of view, they have to resolve the centre-forward and the goalkeeper (situation) in the next two days.

"Hopefully it means they keep De Gea and they sign a striker.

"I would have said, having let Jonny Evans go (to West Brom), a centre-back as well but to do three pieces in the next 48 hours I think will be nigh-on impossible.

"But I'd be absolutely staggered if there wasn't a striker brought in. It has to happen."