Manchester United have one of the best defensive records in the Premier League this season, but despite this, their defensive backline has been threadbare as of recently, especially at centre-back.
With Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly both missing the past month with toe and knee injuries, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have both stepped into the fray solidly, keeping United somewhat steady at the back despite the results not matching their performances.
However, they are certainly not the permanent solution for United at the back. Jones has only just recovered from injury and despite playing six consecutive games without any problems, the threat of injury always hangs around the 24-year-old.
On the other hand, Rojo is prone to the occasional clanger, as displayed by his reckless tackle on Idrissa Gueye against Everton at the weekend which should have earned him an early bath.
With Daley Blind seemingly not in consideration for a centre-back spot, José Mourinho will certainly need reinforcements for the rest of the season, with Bailly set to head off to the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast in January.
Here’s five names that Mourinho could possibly consider looking at in the January transfer market:
