'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Manchester United find themselves in dire form as the international break approaches, after three losses in their last seven games. Manchester United's manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær needs to have some serious discussions regarding his team's defensive deficiencies.
United, in their recent run of games, have also found themselves on the back foot when it comes to winning duels in midfield. The trusted pairing of Fred and McTominay has been bypassed too often this season. Diogo Dalot hasn't looked like his former self at right-back either with Aaron Wan-Bissaka picking up suspensions in the Champions League.
Another option in defensive midfield is Nemanja Matic, who is now 33 and is only fit enough to play one game a week. Donny van de Beek's situation is also getting complicated with his departure seeming likely in January. And a lack of a suitable replacement for Wan Bissaka means that Manchester United require serious reinforcements in these positions.
On that note, let's take a look at
5 players Manchester United should target in the January transfer window
#5 Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye has been a top performer in PSG's midfield across recent seasons. He is often responsible for doing the dirty work for his team. He puts in tackles, intercepts long balls and puts in relentless shifts that link the defense to attack.
Under Pochettino, Gueye has established his presence in the PSG midfield. He even scored a top drawer finish in the UEFA Champions League group stage match against Manchester City to give his side the opener.
However, he is now 32 and PSG will be looking to offload him should an acceptable offer be made to them. In the January window, the signing of a player such as Gueye would make for super value for the Red Devils. He could easily play as a makeshift option who gets United more control of the ball and thereby paper over United's cracks.
#4 Franck Kessié
Franck Kessié represents enormous value for Manchester United in the upcoming January transfer window. Kessié is set to become a free agent next summer if he doesn't sign the recent contract extension offer made to him by Milan.
With Kessié, Manchester United can be sure of signing a player of top quality, given his solid time in Milan's midfield.
Another instance of his top talent will be fresh in the memory of United. He almost scored a goal at Old Trafford in the match against AC Milan in the Europa League last season. But VAR had ruled it as handball.
AC Milan is still looking for ways to keep him. If they can't, obtaining a decent transfer fee for his services would be top priority. Franck Kessié is surely a player that would solve Manchester United's midfield problems.
#3 Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans is a young and energetic option in midfield that Manchester United could use. He has exceptional play-making abilities coupled with the extraordinary grit to dominate central midfield. He is a player who will surely help United keep possession on their side as they look to dominate games.
Tielemans is one of the key pieces of Brendan Rodgers's Leicester City side and is widely appreciated by the top clubs in Europe. Clubs such as Manchester City and Barcelona are keeping an eye on him after his refusal to sign an initial offer of a new contract. And this Leicester side not looking as good as they have in recent seasons, United could look to sign him on a cut-price deal this January.
#2 Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier has been on the Manchester United shortlist ever since the start of last summer's transfer window.
Trippier represents an experienced option at right back for United. He could also play a big part in their attacking play with his famous overlapping runs and expertise on set pieces.
However, Atletico Madrid seem adamant about keeping their prized possession and would not consider any discounts on the player. But the player has shown a willingness to return to England after his last stint with Tottenham. Manchester United could make another attempt to sign him in the January transfer window to provide a better option than Diogo Dalot.
#1 Declan Rice
Declan Rice is Manchester United's top priority after their headline acquisitions of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rice has been identified as a player capable of dominating the United midfield with his commanding physicality. Moreover, he has started the season in stellar form for West Ham United, scoring and assisting twice across nine games in all competit. The Red Devils will be sure of the top quality services they will be getting should they decide to acquire Rice.
An attempt to move for Declan Rice is surely set for the summer of 2022. However, with a number of teams competing for his signature, it means United need to declare their intent at the earliest. The January transfer window definitely represents an opportunity to edge him away from other top sides.
