3 important issues Jose Mourinho needs to address immediately at Manchester United

Manchester City not only painted the city of Manchester blue last night, but also highlighted Jose Mourinho's growing concerns at Manchester United. Throughout the match, City played more passes and kept the ball better than their opposition.

Overall, the defeat was rightly deserved by Jose Mourinho's side as they never really managed to pose a threat to Manchester City who almost made it a practice match in the closing stages of the game.

It's painful for United fans to see their club which was once the dominant force not only in England, but also in Europe, now reeling under the shadow of their neighbours.

The defeat yesterday pinpointed key areas where Mourinho's side are struggling. With the absence of Paul Pogba, it became even more difficult for United to create attacks from the midfield. The flair and creativity Pogba brings was missing yesterday.

However, it's not just the midfield creativity which should bother the Portuguese. There are also certain key areas on the pitch where United don't have quality players occupying. After analysing the current situation at Old Trafford, here are three issues Jose needs to address immediately to save the season from being a disaster.

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#3 Some quality down the right flank

Rashford has been used quite often as a right-winger

Over the years Sir Alex Ferguson was at the helm, Manchester United always made the pitch seem larger, and used the flanks brilliantly to cause problems for opposing teams. The likes of Ronaldo, Giggs, Nani, and even full-backs like Evra, Neville, and Rafael used to maraud forward and provide dangerous crosses for the strikers.

Jose Mourinho's side is missing that exact quality and flair in the right wing position. The acquisition of Sanchez in January last season hasn't done enough to solve the issue for United, and he is well on his way to being a significant transfer flop.

The Portuguese has tried using other players like Mata, Rashford, and Lingard, but none seem to pose a threat on the right flank.

Having a center-forward like Lukaku is of no use if quality crosses are not delivered into the box regularly. Jose Mourinho should look for someone like Ivan Perisic who could serve as a solution to the problem on the right flank.

#2 An alternative to Lukaku

Lukaku is struggling for goals

The Belgium international has been a prolific striker in the Premier League. Before coming to Manchester United last season, his stats for Everton were phenomenal.

However, Manchester United is a different proposition, and it brings with it an enormous amount of pressure. Though Lukaku did reasonably well in his debut campaign for Manchester United, this season he has been mediocre.

The lack of goals seems to have shattered his confidence, and with media pressure all around, the Belgian is struggling to get his form back.

Manchester United also lacks a quality center forward who could give Romelu a run for his money. Lukaku hasn't got enough rest until recently when he got dropped due to injury and lack of goals.

It should be enough reason for Jose Mourinho to go for a striker in January who could push Lukaku, and also allow him get his form back, which would ultimately benefit Manchester United in the long run.

#1 A reliable centre-back

Bailly has lost Jose Mourinho's faith

A central defender has to be the top priority in Jose Mourinho's January checklist. Manchester United has one of worst defensive records in the Premier League this season, with one clean sheet in the first twelve games.

Only Fulham has managed to keep less clean sheets than United. The Red Devils have already conceded twenty-one goals in the league, whereas it took them almost twenty-five games last season to let in that many.

The Portuguese does have many defensive options, but the quality is not there. The likes of Eric Bailly who promised so much in his debut season is struggling to get a first team place.

Even Victor Lindelof is finding it hard to adjust to the physical nature of the Premier League. The other defenders - Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Marcus Rojo have not done enough to earn Jose Mourinho's trust.

It's no mystery that the Portuguese wanted a central defender in the summer, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld, and Yerry Mina linked to Old Trafford. However, none of those deals materialised, and Jose was left frustrated. This has reflected in his team's performance as well.

It's high time the Manchester United board backs the manager with funds to bring in a solid and top quality centre back in January.