Manchester United must look to sign players with character this summer if they are to challenge for the title, says Roy Keane.

The outspoken former midfielder has watched the formerly all-conquering club struggle this term, with a top four place looking unlikely and a Champions League campaign which ended much too early.

While the season could yet end on a high, with United due to play Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, Keane believes he has identified what is lacking in the current side.

“If they are going to recruit again then whatever about good players, what United need is two or three characters so on their bad days they’re able to grind out results," he told ESPN Radio show Beyond The Pitch.

“Chelsea will be stronger next year, Arsenal, and Man City too with their new manager. It’s not going to get any easier. I don’t think they have enough characters in that team to get them back into winning league titles."

The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Show all 13 1 /13 The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Wayne Rooney Premier League: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Michael Carrick Premier League: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' David De Gea Premier League: 2012–13 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Chris Smalling Premier League: 2010–11, 2012–13 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Phil Jones Premier League: 2012–13 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Ashley Young Premier League: 2012–13 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Antonio Valencia Premier League: 2010–11, 2012–13 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Bastian Schweinsteiger Bundesliga: 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15 (2009-10 was under Louis van Gaal's management) Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Sergio Romero Eredivisie: 2008–09 (under Louis van Gaal's management) Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Daley Blind Eredivisie: 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Memphis Depay Eredivisie: 2014–15 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Marouane Fellaini Belgian First Division: 2007–08 Getty The Manchester United players who are 'not used to being champions' Marcos Rojo Argentine Primera División: 2010 Apertura Getty