Top 5 English clubs - Positions they need to strengthen and the players they should sign in January

#2 Manchester United

Positions that need strengthening - Leftback, Central Midfielder

Ibrahimovic's availability is a boon for United

After finishing 6th in the Premier League last season, Manchester United's performance this season has been much more competitive. Currently in second place trailing high-flying leaders Manchester City by 11 points, United have had a decent campaign so far.

The primary reason for United's success so far has been a mean defence. They have conceded a total of 14 goals in the league and Champions League together, which is one of the least in Europe's top 5 leagues. They are 11 points ahead of where they were last season at this point, and these are signs for a bright future ahead this season.

Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard have made significant contributions

Most of the positions for Manchester United are covered, except for another creative central midfielder and a leftback.

Paul Pogba has been on fire whenever he has started for Manchester United this season, but without him the team has lacked the spark that they need to beat stronger oppositions. Even with him in the side, Mourinho's plan against stronger sides has been to hit them on the break rather than starting attacks from the back, and this has partly been due to the lack of a creative playmaker to partner Paul Pogba.

Leon Goretzka starred for Germany in the summer in the Confederations' Cup

Leon Goretzka (Schalke) has emerged as a transfer target for the Red Devils, and he could be available for a throwaway price in January. Although he is not the most creative of midfielders, he is a player who would be very useful in starting attacks as he is good at holding on to the ball and has an impressive shooting range.

Rumors linking Arsenal's Mesut Ozil have been strong in the past month as well, and this is a transfer that could very well go ahead. Ozil's signing would benefit United a lot as he fits the bill of a creative attacking midfielder. His availability in the Champions League in the knockout stages is also a factor that could entice United to make a bid.

Mesut Ozil may be looking to leave Arsenal in January

The leftback problems for Manchester United have been well-documented since Patrice Evra's departure. Luke Shaw has not been able to pin down his position in the starting eleven due to injury problems, due to which the leftback duties have been shared by Darmian, Blind, and Young. None of them have convinced, which may result in Mourinho acquiring a leftback who can stake a place in the eleven for years to come.

Danny Rose (Tottenham) and Alex Sandro (Juventus) have been reported to be scouted by Manchester United. With a rumored £90 million available in the winter, Jose may be looking at bringing in the costlier Alex Sandro, who would be an invaluable addition to the squad.

Juventus'Alex Sandro may be seen in new colors in January