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Manchester United must complete seven summer signings if they are serious about progressing next season. That is according to former United defender Paul Parker, who has called on the Reds to recruit at least five players while offloading two defenders, as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Michael Carrick's squad secured their spot in Europe's elite competition on Sunday, following a 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. With three fixtures left to play, United can now approach the forthcoming transfer window with clarity about which European tournament they will be participating in next term. While United have enjoyed a productive Premier League season - guaranteeing their best finish in three years - the club recognises that further enhancement is required to elevate them to the next level. Indeed, they are expecting a hectic summer with arrivals and departures, as they aim to compete for major silverware.

And ex-United star Parker, who registered over 100 appearances for the club, has encouraged them to bring in at least five high-calibre players while parting ways with both Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui. The 62-year-old is hopeful United can acquire a new centre-back, right-back, left-back and two central midfielders during the summer window.

Speaking to MyBettingSites.co.uk, Parker said: "I think Man United at least need to make five signings to improve the starting eleven. In an ideal world it would be more, but five is probably realistic.

"The first I want to point out is Murillo because of what I said about him before.

"Another one I would like at Man United is Daniel Munoz from Crystal Palace. I really like him as a right back and he can play both as a wingback and a normal fullback. I think he is a better version of Mazraoui. Full-backs need an upgrade and he could be the upgrade on the right hand side.

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"The left full-back is a weakness as well and they definitely need an upgrade from Luke Shaw. I would look at El Hadji Malick Diouf from West Ham. I think he is incredible and he is so much more dynamic than Luke Shaw. He is one of the best crossers I have seen in the Premier League in recent times.

"Sesko would benefit a lot from his crosses. He knocks them in early and he can cross from everywhere on the pitch. He can defend as well and he is running all the time. I love watching him play and he would improve the team a lot.

"I like Valentin Barco as well and he would improve both the full-back and the midfield, but I would like to see him in the midfield.

"I really like Carlos Baleba as well and the price tag for him is not as expensive as it would have been one year ago.

"They need an attacking player as well, but these are five players I would love to see at the club."

Alongside those five players, Parker suggested that Cole Palmer would be a superb acquisition should United explore a transfer for the England international, who could depart Chelsea this summer.

"Obviously, I have seen that Palmer has been linked with a move away from Chelsea," Parker added. "If he ever were to be mentioned with Man United, we would have to see if the manager wants him first and foremost.

"He is a very good player and he was carrying Chelsea in the beginning of the season, but then everything changed. Palmer changed as well and he isn't the player he was. Since [Enzo] Maresca got sacked, he hasn't been anywhere near the player he was.

"Actually, I can see him coming to Manchester United, because with the way Chelsea is being run, I would imagine that he wants to leave. I like the idea of it, but he hasn't been good lately.

"He has a lot of injuries and it seems like he doesn't enjoy playing at Chelsea, but it is an interesting one. I saw an interview where he said he is happy at Chelsea and asked why he should leave, but you have to remember that we are talking about Cole Palmer here.

"The way he talks, did anyone really believe what he said? Are you that silly to believe what he said was true? He is going to say exactly what people want to hear. He is never going to be controversial and say he wants to leave. That could cause issues."