Roy Keane believes Manchester United will not be able to mount a serious Premier League title challenge next season with Edinson Cavani as their first-choice striker.
The Uruguayan has impressed at Old Trafford this season, and received huge praise for his performance in United's 6-2 win over Roma midweek as he scored twice and assisted another two goals.
Cavani arrived last summer on a 12-month contract, but there is the option to extend for a further year and many believe the striker has warranted an extension.
However, Keane believes the striker is past his best and United should look elsewhere in the transfer window ahead of next season.
'I kind of hope in one sense they don't keep him, because then they might look and think we don't need to go and get another (striker),' Keane told SkySports.
'He's 34, if you're hanging your hat on Cavani next year to getting United back to winning league titles, forget about it.
'He'll be a back-up striker and he won't want to be a back-up striker, so that's why he's reluctant to sign a new contract and there's obviously family reasons behind it.'
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are in a strong position to finish second in the table this season, and after dismantling Roma they look certain to be in the Europa League final next month.
Looking ahead to next season, Keane urged his former club to make a marquee signing and take a major step towards a lasting title challenge.
'I go back to recruitment at United, certainly going forward they need to go and make a big, big signing, whether it be a [Harry] Kane or a [Jack] Grealish - put a marker down, Keane said.
'Okay, they need another centre-half, but I still think at the top end of the pitch, when you look at some of the games this year that they've drawn, they've lacked that real bit of quality.
'They've got some brilliant players and I agree obviously that there's been progress. The worry for Man United, the next step for Man United is the biggest and the hardest one - and that is to go and get that league title.
'Liverpool were brilliant last year, Man City excellent this season but United are still a bit short.
'They've made progress and the worry for me now at United is that we're looking at United and saying they've made progress, but talk about the financial side, off the pitch at Man United as if the remit for Ole will be finishing in the top four, or finishing second, wanting to get into the Champions League.
'But being at Man United has to be about winning trophies.'
dadartuy
577
Keane is absolutely right . cavani can't start 4 games in a row.. the fact is that cavani has aged, he is class but old
vutbekps
401
Cavani has really impressed... Manchester United should keep him for another year because he is still angry for goals. Roy Keane is bitter about Cavani. United guh Rashford, Greenwood, Martial who can play at the central attacking position. Cavani deserves another year at Manchester United.