3 Players Manchester United should sign in January to turn their fortunes around

Manchester United have greatly under-performed this season despite the huge talent in the club. The team has shown great defensive weaknesses and is in desperate need of some reinforcements.

In the summer transfer window, manager Jose Mourinho did not get all the players in his wish list largely due to the board. The members did not grant him the funds needed to bolster his squad. As a result, Mourinho himself predicted a tough season for United.

This came to be as United is languishing in the mid-table positions and the team is not playing particularly well this season. There seems to be a series of problems at Old Trafford that is categorically tearing the team apart. Mourinho's tactics have also raised questions regarding whether or not he has lost his touch. At the end of the day, it is the players who play and not the manager.

A look at United's squad shows a gulf in class with the rest of the top clubs in England. Given that the team is rebuilding, United need more quality players in their ranks and should replace the fringe ones. It is about time that they start chalking up results to satisfaction. The January transfer window will be important for United in terms of finishing the season strong.

#3 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Savic can bring dynamism to United's midfield.

The towering Serbian powerhouse could be the answer to stabilizing United's midfield problems. A 4-3-3 formation with Nemanja Matic sitting deep and Paul Pogba on the left side with Savic on the right can be deadly. Savic can offer his versatility and ball retention ability to free up Pogba who is yet to reach the peak of his powers.

At 6 ft 4, Savic is a strong and explosive player who can give United the kind of midfield dynamism that wins titles. A move to United will be a huge step up for him from his current ties at Lazio.

He has played in 11 Serie A games this season, scoring one and providing one assist. It has also been reported that Lazio are willing to lower their strict asking price of £100 million for his services. Can he be the key that opens up United's play?

#2 Mario Mandzukic

One of Manchester United's biggest problems is in the striking department. Romelu Lukaku is the only established striker in the team. The other forwards are naturally wing players with Anthony Martial looking most assured to settle into a central role. For a long period, Lukaku was the only man up front. He faced no competition and fatigue has also played a role in his current goal drought.

He needs a proven back up who will help the team get back on their feet. Croatian Mario Mandzukic is a prime target that United could target. Juventus certainly will have no problems in letting him go given that he is 32.

They have also been huge admirers of Matteo Darmian and this could be a good swap deal. Mandzukic is 6 ft 3 and has over 230 career goals in his belt. Marcus Rashfolrd has not proven himself enough in front of goal and the Croatian offers more lethal fire. He also has good defensive contribution and solid aerial power.

#1 Nikola Milenkovic

Mourinho has shown interest in Milenkovic.

This 6 ft 5 defensive machine is what United need to seal the loopholes in their defence. It is an area that has been of great concern to United. The Red Devils simply have to defend their lines better.

Mourinho already wanted to sign a center back in the last transfer window. Milenkovic appears to be a player that Mourinho is interested in. The Portuguese went to watch him alongside Savic when they were on national duty.

It has also been reported that United will send scouts to look at him when Fiorentina faces Bologna in the league on Sunday. Milenkovic started all of Serbia's matches at the World Cup and has established himself as a regular at only 21 years of age.

He combines height and power that is required of a Mourinho center back. Milenkovic is combative in nature which is something United fans want to see in their defensive players. This is the most important signing that United should make in January. After all, they have the funds to do it.