Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should make signing Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt a priority this summer.

United have been desperate for an elite central defender for numerous transfer windows and the problematic area will once again be at the top of their issues to solve when the transfer market reopens.

They have been one of several clubs linked with a deal for De Ligt, one of the most sought after and talented young defenders in the world.

Dimitar Berbatov believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt

The 19-year-old has been inspirational during Ajax's run to the Champions League semi-finals

The 19-year-old Dutchman has been inspirational during Ajax's run to the Champions League semi-finals and Berbatov, who scored 56 goals in 149 appearances for United, believes he could provide a solution to their defensive woes.

In an interview with The Sun, he said: 'Ole needs a centre-back who can control the ball, pass into midfield and not be intimidated — just like (Virgil) Van Dijk.

'If I am a striker with Van Dijk in my team, I know it will be OK. They need someone like that.

'For a player so young, De Ligt's performances are incredible. He's mature, comfortable on the ball, and he is not bothered who he plays against — Ronaldo or whoever. He doesn't care, he just plays his own game.

'He moves with grace and doesn't panic on the ball. He has everything you want from a defender.

'That guy will be an unbelievable player. He's a great talent and I hope United go for him in the summer and get him.'

Berbatov also insisted that his former employers must do everything to keep Paul Pogba

The Bulgarian was also keen to offer his opinion on who United should keep, insisting his former employers must do everything to tie down Paul Pogba.

'Why is Pogba the problem?,' he added. 'They criticise some players more than others, which is unfair. You cannot escape criticism in one form or another — we all have phones and are on social media.

'He's not a robot, but if you don't feel appreciated, what do you do? Go somewhere else. But leaving would be a mistake.

'I really hope Ole will tell Pogba he will build the team around him to give him the confidence to perform at his best.

'I have first-hand experience of how good Pogba can be when he trained with us as kid and he is a good boy as well.

'Pogba needs to know he has a player to cover his back, he needs to have the freedom to make decisive passes. It doesn't matter if he makes mistakes as he is trying difficult passes.'

Berbatov has been watching Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's training as part of his coaching studies

Berbatov has been spending time at the club's Carrington training ground this week to take notes from Solskjaer while he studies to become a coach and revealed the mood around the place is sombre.

The 38-year-old explained: 'I have been training with Ole and his staff this week doing my coaching badges. The atmosphere around the place was OK, but it could be better.

'So when your are not performing well, you will have long faces at training. You are not happy you are losing games.

'But qualifying for the Champions League would save the season. Then you can regroup and sign some players — but they must be the right players.'