Paul Scholes thinks Manchester United need five signings to challenge Chelsea

The club's transfer needs have been a subject of much debate in recent weeks, with Scholes' former teammate Gary Neville suggesting that three signings could be enough.

Scholes is a little more demanding, however, claiming that the club needs a repeat of last summer's influx, when they made five major permanent additions to the first-team squad.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Scholes said: "I think United will be looking for maybe a centre-back, a right-back, possibly another goalkeeper, a top class centre-forward, and even maybe a wide player so that is five players.

"We have seen them in the big games against the big teams and they have not been far away, they have probably played better against the big teams.

"If they can carry that consistency through the season against mid to lower table teams then they might have a chance.

"They have a way to make up with Chelsea and Manchester City. Arsenal don’t worry me as much. But there is quite a gap between them top two and it’s a gap they will have to have to bridge.”

The club's first major acquisition of the summer should be completed as soon as the international transfer window opens in June, with PSV winger Memphis Depay having completed a medical with the club after a fee for his transfer was agreed.

That would give Scholes the wide player he is is looking for, but his biggest concern, like many Manchester United fans, is who will start in goal for them next season.

There is growing concern that goalkeeper David De Gea, who only has a year left on his contract, will make a return to Spain by signing for Real Madrid this summer.

"What is coming out of the club is a little bit worrying to be honest with you," said Scholes.

"But can you blame him? He’s a Spanish lad and if Real Madrid want him then they normally get someone, and they have every chance of getting him.”

De Gea was chosen by his team-mates as the Manchester United Players' Player of the Year on Tuesday and would be a major loss to the club if he left.