Premier League 2018-19: 3 defenders Manchester United could look to buy in January

The mood around Old Trafford is a bit gloomy, with Manchester United already out of the League Cup and 12 points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho has been severely criticized for his philosophy, with rumors doing the rounds of a change in manager before the end of the season.

However, the comeback victory against Newcastle United and the draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea have somewhat secured Mourinho's job for the time being.

But it's not just Mourinho's approach that has let the team down. Players like Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez have performed inconsistently this season, with the latter reportedly wanting to leave the Red Devils in January.

However, the biggest concern for the Portuguese is the weak defense, which has managed to keep only clean sheet so far. The back four, which was the second best last season, has turned into the second worst within a matter of a few months.

Reports suggested that the United board refused to back Mourinho with any more funds in the summer to buy a new defender. However, the recent performances might have changed the perception of Ed Woodward, who would be willing to spend cash on some big name central defenders in the January transfer market.

Here are three defensive choices that the United board could consider in January.

#3 Kalidou Koulibaly

Many big clubs want to sign Kalidou Koulibaly.

Kalidou Koulibaly started his career at Metz and then moved to the Belgian club Genk in 2012. Later in 2014, he signed for the Italian side Napoli at the reported fee of £6.5 million.

Koulibaly has grown into a world-class center back at Napoli. All the top European clubs are vying for his signature; the Senegalese’s versatility along with his strength make him a formidable defender.

Jose Mourinho has a knack of targeting big, strong central defenders who can survive the physicality of the Premier League. At the age of 27, Koulibaly could be the long-term solution of the defensive problems that United have.

#2 Diego Godin

Diego Godin started his career in Spain with Villareal but moved to Atletico Madrid in 2010. Since then, he has been with the Madrid outfit, helping them reach new heights in Europe.

Godin was the subject of interest for many top clubs in Europe but showed his loyalty and continued playing for Atletico Madrid.

He has established himself as one of the best center-backs in the world. He is a bit of no-nonsense defender, putting his body into the line of fire almost every time.

Godin’s trophy cabinet includes a La Liga, a Copa Del Rey and a Europa League title. At 32, he is still looking as fit as ever, and is set to spend a few more years in top level football.

According to the reports, United wanted him on the deadline day, but the Uruguayan decided to stay back with Atletico Madrid. Godin is not a long-term replacement to United's woes, but he is someone who could certainly provide the defensive leadership that the side lacks.

#1 Toby Alderweireld

Mourinho wanted TobyAlderweireld in the summer

The Belgian is one of the best central defenders in the Premier League at the moment; his reading of the game along with his ball playing abilities are exceptional. At Tottenham, he has formed a formidable partnership with Sanchez and Vertonghen in defense, and helped the club finish in the top four in back-to-back seasons.

Alderweireld started his club career with Ajax before moving to Atletico Madrid, where he won the La Liga and reached the UEFA Champions League final in his debut season. The Belgian then spent a season-long loan at Southampton before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015.

Mourinho reportedly wanted Alderweireld in the summer, but the Spurs wanted a player in exchange which the United board refused to agree with. However, there are contract disputes between the player and the club at the moment, which might see Mourinho finally getting his man in January at a relatively lesser fee.