Manchester United Target Striker and Centre-Backs for January

Manchester United are expected to target a forward and central defender during January, as the club prepares for Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick as head coach. The team is 18th in the Premier League after winning three of its first 15 matches in all competitions this season.

The club’s centre-back shortlist includes Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Brentford’s Nathan Collins and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey. Any striker signing is more likely to be a loan than a permanent transfer.

United spent about £150 million on midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans during the summer, but did not strengthen other positions. The squad has needs on the left side of defense, in central defense, on the left wing and at striker. United had also failed to move Joshua Zirkzee on or bring in cover for Benjamin Sesko during that window.

Injuries could add to the pressure to recruit in January. Pochettino is expected to receive new players to work with as he takes over a side struggling near the bottom of the league.