Manchester United know perfectly well that they need to spend this summer to catch up with Manchester City.

While a second place finish was certainly indicative of progress, the Red Devils will be bitterly disappointed by the 19 point gap that emerged between them and their neighbours. It's certain that change is needed to address such a deficit.

Given the hefty spending of City, too, there's every reason to suggest that the Citizen's will keep up their own transfer strategy, even if Pep Guardiola has hinted that the club will dial things down.

Rumours are also circulating that United are planning to clear-out some of the deadwood in their squad as well as some big names lacking consistent game-time.

The likes of Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw, Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind are all facing the chop this summer.

United eyeing LB, CB, CM and RW buys

With every report and rumour, the areas of improvement are becoming increasingly clear to United and their supporters.

Reinforcements are certainly needed in the full-back positions. With Shaw and Darmian on the way out and Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young beginning to age, a long-term solution is certainly needed.

The drama surrounding Eric Bailly and the disappointment over Victor Lindelof's debut season has also created speculation over a new centre-back arrival.

United's number one targets in each position

A new winger could be in order if Martial waves goodbye and Michael Carrick's retirement creates room for a midfield arrival.

These four areas of improvement have been acknowledged by United and they've even drawn up their number one target for each position, according to the Manchester Evening News.

As part of their live transfer news feed, MEN outlined the four players below the title 'Who and what United want this summer.'

They revealed that Alex Sandro was wanted at left-back, Toby Alderweireld was their number one target at centre-back, Fred was their midfield preference and Willian is wanted out wide.

The post ominously states afterwards: 'And it might not end there.'

So it seems United could be set for a very busy summer indeed.

Sandro has been linked with the Red Devils for sometime now with reports in Italy even suggesting that an announcement could take place over the next week.

As for Alderweireld, contract disputes could facilitate his exit with Tottenham linked with Ajax prodigy Matthijs de Ligt as a possible replacement.

Willian has added substance to speculation over his future with his recent Instagram activity and coy nature during interviews. Whether Chelsea would allow another Nemanja Matic situation is unknown, though.

The Manchester Evening News also reported earlier on Wednesday that Fred was on the brink of confirming his United switch.

United have settled on their four targets and you wouldn't put it past them to wrap up every single one.

Do you think Man Utd will win the Premier League next season? Have your say in the comments section below.