Manchester United need a striker to avert crisis states Steven Gerrard

Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard believes that Manchester United need a new striker in the January transfer window to end their abysmal run. The Red Devils have gone eight games without a win in all competitions, including taking only a point from their last four games in the league.

United let Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Javier Hernandez leave in the summer, either of whom could have played up front. Wayne Rooney has managed only two goals in the entire season in the league, while Anthony Martial, despite starting the league on a high, has managed only one scalp in the last three months. Memphis Depay has been in and out of the side and is yet to develop the composure.

Their 0-0 draw with Chelsea saw them adopt an expansive style, pressing and attacking the ball across the length of the pitch, but could not muster the finishing touch which would have given them their first win since November. Van Gaal has been heavily criticised for putting possession over attack, but the game against a hapless Blues showed that they are still a few personnel away from bringing that dream to fruition.

"Manchester United still need something for me," Gerrard told BT Sport, as quoted by the Mirror. "I think they need an extra striker because there's still too much pressure on Wayne Rooney. Martial is very young, Depay is very young, I think they need an extra striker to come and help Wayne Rooney with the goal burden."

The 20-time English Champions have a comparatively easy run of fixtures coming up going into the New Year, at home to a struggling Swansea City before travelling to Newcastle who are trying to avert relegation. These games will be followed by a trip to Anfield, where a positive result would be a massive boost to their hopes of finishing in the top four.