It’s rather evidential that Manchester United’s road to the top is very much a work in progress. Having only won one out their first four Premier League games, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s insisting that it’s a long-term project can now echo in their game-play. While United’s new signings are making big strides, there just wasn’t enough signings made in the summer to bring back the glorious first months of Ole’s part-time reign.

There will be signings made in January, with Romelu Lukaku’s £72 million sales profit being integrated into the winter transfer kitty. Of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has 

talked up a potential return, but the latest news on Zlatan is that he’s happy in the MLS. Considering Ole wants younger, quicker players and knowing the Swede’s injury history in last few months as a United star, it’s fair to say he won’t be joining.

However, here are 5 players whom United could aim to sign in January 2020.

5. Mario Mandzukic

So it’s no real secret that being unable to replace Romelu Lukaku is costing United some points. While Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford have scored some goals, there’s still a killer instinct lacking in their final third. Mario Mandzukic was allegedly in their wishlist late into the transfer window, but they backed out later on. 

>However, with the need for a striker being evidential, the big Croat could bring another dimension to their attack. Now sidelined at Juventus by Maurizio Sarri, he wouldn’t hesitate at making the move. Mandzukic’s physical presence, aerial prowess and lethality in the final third could fetch many goals for Ole’s side. He’s also a big-game star, so that’ll be a bonus!

4. Sean Longstaff

So with Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba being the only preferred midfielders so far by Solskjaer, it’s clear United need another midfielder. Sean Longstaff’s proven to be an industrious figure so far for Newcastle United, putting in some efficient performances.

He’s strong defensively, can distribute the ball forward and has that bullish attitude to go through midfield into scoring goals sporadically. Newcastle could be forced to sell for a decent figure and Ole would get another hungry Englishman in his ranks to increase his side’s work-rate.

3. Steven Bergwijn

With Daniel James’ addition, it felt like Manchester United’s right-wing problems were over. Not really. The Welsh winger has lit up the Premier League with 3 goals so far, but looks much suited cutting in from the left to create problems. He’s too isolated on the right and struggles with his creation through wide as well.

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s attacking skills still shaping, United need a proper right-winger. Steven Bergwijn is a sound option, having the capability of creating quite a lot through the right. Considering that he scored 14 and assisted 12 goals last season for PSV Eindhoven, the Dutch International’s a clinical player down the right. He could create a sound partnership with Wan-Bissaka, adding another dynamic to United’s attack with his sizzling work down the right.

2. Moussa Dembele

Solskjaer’s repeatedly explained how his system prefers quicker forwards than more traditional physical centre-forwards upfront. However, only with Martial, Rashford and Mason Greenwood, they cannot sustain a whole season. United desperately need an experience forward in January and Moussa Dembele could be an ideal signing. He was desired by Ole in the summer, but a January move using that Lukaku money should be done. 

Dembele’s a prolific goal-scorer already playing in a fast-paced, attacking system matching United’s. He’s netted 3 goals in as many Ligue 1 games so far, having the capability of scoring “scrappy goals” and compelling finishing. Along with Martial, the 23-year-old can create a stunning French connection to fire up the league.

Bruno Fernandes

The whole Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United saga was probably the most played out one of the summer. In the end, the Portuguese stayed put at Sporting Lisbon and is flourishing in his home country. However, the Red Devils are paying the price for not signing a creative midfielder. Apart from Paul Pogba’s chance creation, things have been very dull in their midfield. Scott McTominay’s done well defensively but offers very little going forward. 

Fernandes, having scored 32 goals and assisted 18 last season for Lisbon, is the dynamic centre-midfielder fans are craving for. Not only can he create more chances, but has that thunderous shooting ability to score goals as well. The Portuguese is the x-factor United’s midfield is lacking and must be snapped up in January.