Five Things Louis Van Gaal Must Do To Make Inconsistent Manchester United Title Challengers

2) Buy a midfielder

Daley Blind has performed admirably, putting out fires ahead of makeshift defences with little support from the attacking line-ups van Gaal has played.

Against the Blues the manager deployed Marouane Fellaini as a physical presence alongside Blind, but this is no more than a short term solution.

Michael Carrick is at the end of the road and a player with passing ability and plenty of energy is needed alongside the Netherlands international.