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Manchester United's form has been far from consistent this season, obtaining just 31 points from their first 20 league games with 8 wins, 7 draws and 6 defeats. Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment as Manchester United's the permanent manager, the Red Devils have been going downhill.
Despite their good record against big teams this season, United have been struggling to secure results against several teams, failing to beat the likes of Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, and Watford. Solskjaer's win percentage since becoming United's permanent manager is now 27%, which is even worse than that of David Moyes.
Manchester United made only three signings in the summer, which is not enough considering the squad depth and the quality of players in it. The addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire might have improved the squad to a certain extent, but without a shadow of doubt, Manchester United need a lot more to improve both the quality and depth of their squad.
Here, we take a look at 3 signings United should make in January to improve their squad and salvage something from the season.
#1 Alejandro Grimaldo
United's first-team left-back, Luke Shaw, is known for his fitness issues and inconsistent performances. Hopes were very high when United splashed their money on him back in 2014, but the young Englishman has failed to deliver and prove himself. Grimaldo, however, looks like a player who could solve United's problems in the left-back position.
Grimaldo has been a very impressive player for the Portuguese giants Benfica in recent years. A quick and an energetic full-back who has great dribbling and crossing skills and is also good at taking set-pieces, Grimaldo's attacking nature could really have a great impact on United's left side, as he would also link up very well with United's left-wingers in Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Since the departure of Patrice Evra in 2014, United are yet to produce a consistent left-back, and Grimaldo, still just 24 years of age, has all the credentials to become a great servant to the club.
Also read: Top 10 full-backs currently in world football
#2 Christian Eriksen
As Manchester United got rid of two midfielders, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera, in the last two transfer windows, they also failed to replace them. In the process, they are short of midfielders at the moment, with Scott McTominay already out injured and Paul Pogba reportedly wanting to leave.
A player like Christian Eriksen does not need an introduction. Since Tottenham signed Eriksen in the summer of 2013, the Danish wizard has been one of their most important players. United are clearly lacking creativity in midfield, and the recruitment of Eriksen would make a huge difference to the team.
Eriksen has a good track record in the Premier League, featuring in the PFA Team of the Year 2017-18 and winning the Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year award on two occasions (2013-14 and 2016-17). As Eriksen's contract expires at the end of this season, he could be available at a cheap rate right now, which would also make many clubs go for him. Still just 27 years of age and in his prime, Eriksen has plenty of years left in him and now would be the right time for the Red Devils to make a move for him.
Also read: Dissecting the mind of Christian Eriksen
#3 Saúl Ñiguez
The product of Atlético Madrid's youth academy, Saúl Ñiguez has emerged as an important midfield general for Diego Simeone's side in recent years. A versatile midfielder known for his work rate and intelligence, Saul has a lot of playing experience, appearing over 250 times for Atlético Madrid, and he is only 25 years old.
Besides playing as a central midfielder, he can also be played as a defensive midfielder and a winger. It's no wonder that the Spaniard is known for his versatility. He is also one of Spain National Football Team's first choice midfielders, and hence, also has a lot of experience in international football.
As United lost a brilliant midfielder and a leader in Ander Herrera in the summer, the recruitment of Ñiguez would make up for it, even if he would cost a lot. There is no doubt that he would be a very good signing for United and would serve the club for years to come.
You might also like: 7 facts you should know about Atlético Madrid's Saúl Ñiguez
