Despite turning a corner with the 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday, Manchester United’s midfield has come into criticism this season, and the club’s former first team coach Rene Meulensteen has singled out one player who could immediately solve their problems – Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan.

Answering the question on Twitter – “Which central midfielder do you think Manchester United need? – Meulensteen answered: “Ilkay Gundogan”.

The 23-year-old German international Gundogan joined Dortmund from FC Nurnberg in 2011, and has been an ever-present in the midfield of the Champions League runners-up since. He kept his nerve to equalise from the penalty spot in that final, which Dortmund lost 2-1 against Bayern Munich at Wembley in May.

Download the new Independent Premium app Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

He has won eight caps for Germany, after deciding to play for the country of his birth, rather than Turkey, where his parents come from. The creative midfielder was an integral part of Dortmund’s 2012 Bundesliga winning side.

Gundogan missed Dortmund’s 1-0 defeat against Arsenal last week as he is recovering from a back injury which is set to rule him out until the end of the year.

The best league in the world is back. Join The Independent for an online event, as our panel discusses the most uncertain start to a season in Premier League history. Click here to find out more and book your free ticket today.