MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is targeting SIX new signings including a striker and a much-needed No10 in a monster spending spree.
The Norwegian boss is battling to save his job this month but has just a week to go until the January window slams shut.
Ed Woodward may opt to give Solskjaer free reign with the budget in a bid to salvage anything from the wreckage that is this season.
And in truth, it only seems fair to give the Red Devils chief a chance to create a squad in his own image.
This United XI for the loss against Burnley was made up of signings from FIVE separate bosses, all the way back to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Solskjaer has only made three signings as United boss – Aaron Wan-Bissaka (50million), Harry Maguire (85m) and Daniel James (15m) last summer.
James, above all others, has shined the brightest, but Wan-Bissaka has already become a key man in the back-four.
Maguire is yet to recapture his Leicester form, but is perhaps struggling to cope with leading an otherwise struggling and ever-rotating defensive line.
So half a dozen new faces of Solskjaer’s choosing could be just the ticket. But what positions will he strengthen and who’s in the running to come to Old Trafford?
1 x FULL-BACK
WAN-BISSAKA has made the right-back spot his own, with fit-again Diogo Dalot set to provide more than competent back-up.
But on the left, Solskjaer doesn’t seem to know whether to run with the disappointing Luke Shaw or youngster Brandon Williams.
The United boss may opt to bring in someone to be a leading light on the left and use the aforementioned duo as back-up.
The likes of Ben Chilwell and David Alaba have both been linked with a move away from their respective clubs – and United should throw their hat into the ring.
Elsewhere, Alejandro Grimaldo would be an exciting prospect if United aim to tempt Benfica with an enticing, big-money bid.
2 x CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
NEMANJA MATIC and Fred. That is United’s current midfield tandem and that simply is not going to cut it at a club with any sort of ambition.
Scott McTominay is set to return from injury next month, while Paul Pogba has more-than-likely played his last game for the club.
Signing TWO centre-mids is imperative – this window, if possible – with Inter Milan star Matias Vecino hotly linked.
United have also been tipped to move for classy Barcelona outcast Ivan Rakitic – who would be the perfect player for this Red Devils team.
Elsewhere, Solskjaer is looking to the future, targeting 16-year-old Birmingham star Jude Bellingham in a 30m deal.
1 x No10
IT was meant to be Bruno Fernandes – and for all the world it seemed like it would be.
But talks between United and Sporting broke down as both clubs stubbornly refused to give any quarter with their valuation of the Portuguese superstar.
There’s no doubt Man Utd should have given Sporting whatever they wanted, but as it is the deal is dead.
But there are a hoard of talented No10s in the world, with Philippe Coutinho and Christian Eriksen both talented AND – most importantly – available this month.
Inter have been close to landing Tottenham man Eriksen this month, but talks have stalled over the all-important transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are set to cut ex-Liverpool star Coutinho’s loan deal short – and with him unwanted at Barcelona, United could capitalise.
Elsewhere, Premier League superstars James Maddison and Jack Grealish are incredible alternatives for both now and the future.
1 x WINGER
JAMES has nailed down the right-wing spot this season with his endless running and heart.
Marcus Rashford has been superb from the left too, but he is now injured and Man Utd have been forced to delve deep into the squad to replace him.
Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Mason Greenwood and Jesse Lingard are all options to be shoehorned into the position.
But an out-and-out left-winger is absolutely what the doctor ordered this month.
Jadon Sancho has long been United’s top target in that position, but they may need to wait until the summer and break their transfer record to land the England ace.
Burnley youngster Dwight McNeil would be a more viable option this month – five years after the club axed him from their youth ranks.
1 x STRIKER
ANTHONY MARTIAL just hasn’t lived up to his undoubted potential – and Rashford is clearly more comfortable cutting in from the left.
That leaves 18-year-old Mason Greenwood as the only other striker in the squad and it’s unfair to put so much pressure on a teenager.
Solskjaer is now battling Chelsea to sign Lyon star Moussa Dembele, while looking to Inter Milan again to snap up Lautaro Martinez.
