Jose Mourinho and his men have finally put in a string of good performances and are now on a roll with some commanding displays over the last month or so. The summer signings at Manchester United have contributed significantly and the Red Devils are back on track for a top four finish with an eye on the Premier League title as well.
The squad seems balanced, but to compete with other big teams in Europe, a few good signings are needed. Antoine Griezmann is one big name player who is strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford but the Frenchman has dismissed rumours of a move in January.
On the other hand, if rumours are to be believed, Benfica defender Victor Lindelof is a certainty to arrive in this window.
Here are five other players United should try to sign should they fail in their pursuit to land their primary targets.
#5 Leon Bailey
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The 19-year old is one of the hottest prospects in Europe currently. His rise has been somewhat adventurous but as far as putting the ball in the net is concerned, he seems to do it calmly indeed.
United scouts have already looked at the player a few times and a fee in the region of £18 million could tempt Genk to let him go. PSG had their offer turned down for Bailey, who is often compared to Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne.
A speedy and agile player with a mentality of a winner, the Jamaican is destined for a great career. His goal scoring record in the Europa league is prolific and is nicknamed Mr. Europe.
The winger also spoke about how the Europa League motivates him to do well: “Europa League matches give me extra motivation. Don't misunderstand me -- I treat the Belgian league seriously, but in Europe I can show myself to the world.”
#4 Keita Balde
The 21-year old Lazio man is another forward that Manchester United to bring some youthful energy to the attack. Balde is one of the most promising players to graduate from La Masia, Barcelona’s famed youth academy.
After his public fall-out with Lazio this year, he left the Christmas party halfway through the President’s speech and a move away is highly anticipated.
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Manchester United should seize the opportunity before any other big team get their hands on him as the player himself seems interested in a move to Old Trafford: “I have a contract until 2018 and for the time being I will stay here. But my ambition is to get to play for the best teams in the world such as Real Madrid and Manchester United. It’s the dream of all players,” said the young Senegalese forward.
Rated at £30 million now, United tried to sign him 5 years ago but failed. The player has since emerged as a quick frontman and an accomplished dribbler who can terrorise defences on either flank. If United do qualify for next season’s Champions League, this kind of signing will only bolster the squad.
#3 Niklas Sule
It’s no secret that there is one position that Jose Mourinho wants to reinforce immediately – the backline. With different combinations being tried this season, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager is still not convinced with the personnel at this disposal.
Despite being sidelined due to injury, summer signing Eric Bailly has been impressive in his debut season and is now away to play AFCON.
Although Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have formed a good partnership and have been playing well recently, and with Smalling and Blind also in the mix, the addition of this German youngster will add solidity to the defence.
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United scouts have delivered positive feedback for Mourinho to sign the youngster, who is very good in the air and is a threat moving up the pitch. He has been one of the stars for Hoffenheim this season.
The only weakness is his left foot, which is weak, but he is still developing and could iron out that issue. At times, he is left stranded by a quick forward, but thanks to his good ground work, he has all the capabilities to handle such situations. Manchester United will have to battle really hard to sign the 21-year-old, with Chelsea also keen to sign him.
The real challenge for United will be to convince the towering 21-year old defender to leave Germany.
#2 Emil Forsberg
Manchester United certainly won’t mind another Swede in their set up. Emil Forsberg, 25, has been an integral part of the phenomenal rise of RB Leipzig in Bundesliga this season. Sitting just below Bayern in the league table in 2nd spot, Leipzig is almost certain to play European football next season.
However, Forsberg’s agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has confirmed to Bild Sport that the player may move to a bigger club: “I can't confirm any names. But after the great first half of the season, big clubs have reached out to me. RB are on a good way to become a big club, which plays in Champions League soon. In spite of that I can't promise that Emil will stay in Leipzig this winter.”
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The 2014 and 2016 Swedish Midfielder of the Year, has so far scored 5 goals and has 9 assists this season, more than anyone in the German top tier. According to reports, clubs like Juventus and Arsenal seem interested and Liverpool have been previously linked with the player. United will have to work it out quick to add this dynamic midfielder in their squad.
#1 Hakan Calhanoglu
There are very few who can match Hakan Calhanoglu’s calibre when it comes to set pieces. The 22-year-old Turkish international has established himself as a deadly free-kick specialist and is a prized asset for any team in the world. Manchester United has not been at their best when it comes to dead-ball situations this season and Mourinho will be happy to add someone like him in the squad.
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The Bayer Leverkusen man is still young and dreams of playing in the Premier League, particularly at United. He was once quoted saying:
“Barcelona and Manchester United are huge clubs it would be different to turn them down but I have not said anything about any transfers or anything of the sort.”
Chelsea is also weighing up a move for the player who is priced at around £17 million by Leverkusen. If United are to compete at the highest level, a player like Calhanoglu is a potent weapon who can dig out something spectacular. A top buy for any club, to say the least.
