How the Red Devils could improve in the New Year.
It has hardly been the best of starts at Manchester United for new manager Louis van Gaal despite the fact the Dutchman spent a club record £151.7m on new players over the summer.
The Red Devils have been going through an ongoing transition since Sir Alex Ferguson retired at the end of the 2012/13 season and January is likely to be busy in the transfer market for van Gaal once more.
Here are five players van Gaal should be targeting to improve his squad.
Fabio Coentrao, Real Madrid
It may appear that United have an abundance of left-backs currently, but in reality Luke Shaw is the only natural in the role and although Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo can fill in they are needed elsewhere.
Shaw is a promising talent, but has already admitted to feeling the pressure at Old Trafford and this Portugal international could be available from Madrid as he has been underused so far this term.
Source: Daily Express.
Miranda, Atletico Madrid
This Brazilian was targeted by the 13-time Premier League champions earlier in the year and at that time chose to stay at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.
However, head coach Diego Simeone could be convinced to part with his central defender if the offer from the Red Devils was right – with Juan Mata being included in the deal rumoured.
Source: Daily Express.
Kevin Strootman, AS Roma
Midfield may not seem like a priority area, but there are continued concerns over the capabilities of Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Darren Fletcher and replacements will be needed.
Strootman has impressed at Roma and knows van Gaal well from the time they spent together when the latter was in charge of the Netherlands national team.
Source: Mirror.
Neven Subotic, Borussia Dortmund
Back to defence now and there are huge issues at the back with Phil Jones perhaps the only member of the current crop to have shown any decent form.
Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling have both had troubles and this Serbia international would add some grit, physicality and experience to the XI.
Source: Manchester Evening News.
Arturo Vidal, Juventus
Back to midfield now and this Chile international has been strongly linked with United for some time, but as yet no concrete evidence of a move has materialised.
Vidal is widely considered to be the best box-to-box player in the world currently and would compliment the likes of Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao.
Source: Mirror.