Gareth Barry has advised Manchester United to wrap up possibly their most important transfer of the summer before the World Cup starts.

United are yet to decide who will be Ruben Amorim’s long-term replacement but Michael Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner, impressing in his role as caretaker boss since January.

Both United’s performances and form were underwhelming under Amorim but Carrick has taken the Red Devils up to third in the Premier League, just six points behind title contenders Manchester City.

Manchester United were hailed for their transfer business last summer and will hope for another productive window this time around with several key areas requiring reinforcements.

United’s priority is to sign a new central midfielder to replace Casemiro, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Amorim in fact wanted to sign a midfielder last summer but United prioritised attacking additions, signing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, all of whom have impressed this season.

Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have been heavily linked with moves to Old Trafford over the past six months and Premier League legend Barry has heaped praise on the Nottingham...