Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho needs to sign a central midfielder, a playmaker and a striker
Yet the reality is Jose Mourinho’s men are well off the pace set by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and a cluster of other elite European clubs.
The 2-1 defeat to City three weeks ago served as a reminder of just how far United’s "noisy neighbours" have progressed under their Spanish gaffer.
And it outlined some of the deficiencies in Mourinho’s squad, particularly in the absence of club-record signing Paul Pogba.
United’s Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Championship outfit Bristol City added to doubts about whether Mourinho has enough quality as his disposal.
Express Sport is on hand to bring you a run down of who Mourinho should target during the January transfer window - as well as the men that need to be ushered towards the Old Trafford exit door.
Pogba’s suspension-enforced absence against City showed United are short of dynamic midfield options, with a Kevin De Bruyne-type much needed.
Romelu Lukaku’s toothless period, coupled with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s veteran status, indicates United require another central striker too.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s just not cut it enough on a regular basis either, so a No 10 should be on Mourinho’s shopping list.
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Koke has proven himself at the top level with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid
Who should Manchester United sign in January?
Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has been on the radar of top clubs for years and at 25 is mature enough to make the move to England.
With Antoine Griezmann looking set for Barcelona, Mariano would offer an alternative to Lukaku and Ibrahimovic after lighting up Ligue 1 with Lyon this season.
Mourinho knows all about Mesut Ozil having coached the Arsenal contract rebel at Real and he could be available for a cut-price fee - a la Robin van Persie in 2012.
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Mariano has shone for Lyon in Ligue 1 after leaving the shadows of Real Madrid behind