5 defenders Manchester United should consider buying in January

Manchester United have had a disappointing season so far mainly due to their defensive frailties. New summer signings in defence Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo have been decent so far, but those who were already at the club haven’t impressed under Louis van Gaal. The likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Rafael have had a below par season until now as their mistakes have cost United dearly.The Red Devils lie seventh in the league and have conceded 14 goals in 11 games. They even conceded four goals against League 2 side MK Dons in the League Cup not so long ago. Injuries too have taken their toll which means that Van Gaal might be forced to spend in January.That being said, here are five defenders Manchester United should consider buying in the winter transfer window.

#1 Ron Vlaar - Aston Villa

Vlaar is a player that Louis van Gaal knows everything about as both of them worked together in the Dutch national team.

The Aston Villa man was a key figure in Van Gaals defence and put in some impressive displays against the likes of Spain and Mexico at the World Cup. Since then, his stock has risen and he could move elsewhere in January as his contract is set to expire in the summer.

Villa manager Paul Lambert did a near impossible job of keeping the Dutchman at the club but will be forced to sell the club captain in January ifVlaarstalls over a new contract. The 29-year-old has been impressive since arriving from Feyenoord in 2012 for a fee of 3.2m and was a shining light in a poor Villa team.

Villa will mostly have to sell him for a cut-price deal in January; and it could be as less as 5m.

#2 Benedikt Hwedes - Schalke

The Schalke skipper is another option that Manchester United can look at in January. Reports indicate that the 26-year-oldGermany international could cost somewhere around 14m as he is contracted with the club until 2017.

New manager Roberto Di Matteo will not want to lose his star defender as he has had a disappointing start to his managerial career at Schalke. However, if United launch a bid that will be too good to turn down, then hell have to let Hwedes go.

Hwedes has been at Schalke since 2007 and has gone on to make 245 appearances for the club. He lifted the World Cup with Germany recently and had an impressive tournament despite being deployed in the left back position.

His natural position is that of a centreback, but he can be employed anywhere in the defence, the kind of versatility that Louis van Gaal sorely needs.

#3 Gerard Piqu

The Barcelona centre-back is now the fourth choice at the club after a recent run of poor displays. His last appearance came in the Clasico against Real Madrid.

Manager Luis Enrique doesnt seem to fancy the Spanish international as Pique has made just six appearances so far in the league. Reports in Spain claim that he is seriously considering his future at Barcelona after falling down the pecking order.

Pique has already represented Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson but managed to make just 21 appearances for the club in his four-year spell from 2004 to 2008. Reports indicate that the 27-year-old defender could cost somewhere around 23.6m in January.And for his age and reputation, its a fee that United can easily afford.

United will have to act quickly though as Chelsea are favourites to land Pique in the next transfer window as a long term replacement for John Terry.

#4 Mats Hummels

Reports in Germany indicate that the World Cup winner would prefer a move to Arsenal. However, that doesnt mean that United shouldnt go after the Hummels. The Dortmund centre-back is valued at 30m and was linked with a move to United in the summer. Manager Jurgen Klopp however went on to quash the rumours last time.

This time around, with Dortmunds poor league form, they will not be able to stop Hummels from leaving if the 25-year-old feels that he has to move elsewhere in order to play Champions League football next season which at the moment looks very unlikely at Dortmund.

Hummels is currently out injured with a stretched ligament and is expected to return to action in late November. He will be the ideal signing for Manchester United as they have lacked a leader at the back since the departure of Nemanja Vidic to Inter.

#5 Dani Alves

The Barcelona right back revealed recently that he would like to finish his career in the Premier League. Manchester United will face competition from Arsenal to sign the Brazilian international but considering his high wages, he is likely to end up at Manchester United.

Current United right back Rafael had a disappointing start to his league campaign but has improved in the last few weeks. However, manager Louis van Gaal could go after Alves as the 31-year-old would add extra attacking talent from the defence and isnt afraid to put in a tackle or two when required.

The former Sevilla man is known for his attacking forays and was probably the best attacking full back that Barcelona have ever had.

A potential deal for Alves will depend on Uniteds league position come January as Alves will want to move to a club that will at least play in the UEFA Champions League next season.