It's no secret that Manchester United are in a pretty dark place right now.

The Red Devils sit 12th in the Premier League table after amassing a measly nine points from their opening eight games.

Key players are out of form, injuries have taken their toll and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tactics have been called into question.

United's impotent performance against Newcastle on the weekend was perhaps their worst showing of the season.

The Magpies won 1-0, with the Red Devils failing to create any chances or show any real attacking threat.

And their lack of offensive power has prompted United legend Dimitar Berbatov to make a claim that many supporters were probably thinking in unison at St James' Park.

That point is that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would struggle to score in Solskjaer's current setup.

Speaking to Betfair, Berbatov said: "The winter transfer window is going to be difficult and on the pitch Manchester United aren't producing as a team at the moment.

"It doesn't matter how good you are, Messi or Ronaldo could go there and they would have difficulty because the team is not producing."

At this point in time, the Bulgarian is probably spot on.

Berbatov continued by offering his beloved United some advice on how to remedy their woes in front of goal.

He believes Mario Mandzukic could be the perfect short-term answer, similar to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival in 2016.

Berbatov added: "When you sell two of your main strikers you need to bring in at least one, just in case.

"Everybody can see that that Manchester United need a back up, (Anthony) Martial is injured and there isn't another really strong proven goalscorer. They have the talent in the young players but at the same time you need someone like Mandzukic.'

"I think he is a really good football player and he hasn't played before in England but I hope if he comes he can straight away get into the rhythm of the Premier League.

"Ibrahimovic was 34 years old when he signed for United and he didn't have any problems. Mandzukic is a similar age and hope he could have the same impact if he signs."

Marcus Rashford could certainly learn a thing or two from the experienced Croatian...