United 'woefully short' in defence, says ex-England frontman

Following the signing of attacking playmaker Angel Di Maria, former England international Gary Lineker has offered a stark assessment of United's defensive credentials.

United have smashed the British transfer record with the £59.7million acquisition of the Argentinean, but is in defence that Lineker feels the Red Devils must improve.

Speaking on Twitter, Lineker said: "It goes without saying that MUFC are still woefully short of top quality defenders."

The Red Devils' defensive frailties were exposed during two disappointing opening Premier League games, but worse was to come on Tuesday evening, as a 4-0 humbling at the hands of Milton Keynes Dons raised worrying questions about the squad’s lack of defensive depth.

It is hoped the arrival of Marcos Rojo will instil much-needed composure, and Louis van Gaal's transfer market dealings may not yet be over, but United have thus far done little to argue against Lineker's viewpoint.