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Manchester United's season has been dismal to say the least. The club failed to land top targets in the transfer window, they have been knocked out of the League Cup, and are currently languishing at 8th on the Premier League table.
Defense has been a cause of great concern for Jose Mourinho, as the back line has conceded 21 times already, mustering just the one clean sheet. At the other end of the pitch, results haven't been noticeably better.
Mourinho was desperate to land a world class centre back, among other targets in the summer. Thus, the Red Devils could be in the winter market for a few surprise buys.
Here are 3 players United could turn to for a change in fortunes.
#3 Marko Arnautovic
With Romelu Lukaku injured, and Alexis Sanchez firing blanks, goals have been hard to come buy. A back-up striker is thus of great importance.
United have just managed 20 goals in the league so far, and the addition of Marko Arnautovic could help. The 29-year-old is 6.4" and fits the profile of a Mourinho striker.
Excellent in the air, he is equally good on the ball. Arnautovic managed a commendable 11 goals last season, and would give Lukaku a rest. The Belgian has looked jaded in recent weeks.
Arnautovic and his agent have both hinted that he is ready to play at a higher level, so a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards.
#2 Toby Alderweireld
Mourinho was desperate for defensive recruitment, but it wasn't to be as the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar were deemed unattainable.
However, Toby Alderweireld represents a defender of proven pedigree, and is set to leave Spurs. The 29-year-old is highly experienced, having featured in the Premier League over the past four seasons.
Mourinho has often deployed Paul Pogba in a deeper role, as he claims the current defenders lack "technical ability" to play from the back.
Signing Alderweireld would help rectify this issue. The Belgian has a passing accuracy of 88 percent so far this season, with an average of 7 long balls per game.
Toby has failed to agree a new deal with Spurs. With his current deal ending in 2019, he could be available at a bargain price.
#1 Gary Cahill
Another top centre back on the club's radar, Cahill has had just 21 minutes of league action this season. However, Mourinho would not hesitate to sign Cahill, with whom he has enjoyed great success.
United's shaky defense have lacked a leader ever since the departure of Nemanja Vidic, but Gary Cahill could provide a short term solution to this.
The 32-year-old has fallen out of favour at Chelsea with Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz the preferred pairing under Maurizio Sarri. A re-link with former boss Mourinho would be ideal for all parties.
Currently Chelsea captain, Cahill, has served as England captain in the past and would bring much needed experience. Cahill is powerful in the air, but it is his exquisite passing range which is his greatest strength.
With his contract ending in the summer, Cahill could prove to be crucial in United's top 4 race.
