The two positions Man United want to strengthen in January – and the three players in trouble

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Manchester United are drawing up their transfer plans for the January window and are targeting improvements in two positions, TBR Football understands.

The club are pushing ahead with a search for reinforcements after a rollercoaster start to the new season under Ruben Amorim, and there are funds to spend.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe voiced his support for Amorim earlier this week, declaring he wanted to give him at least three years in the job, and United’s transfer targets are being lined up with this in mind.

This came after TBR Football revealed Ratcliffe is still fully behind the head coach, despite drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements, which included Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola.

However, three players could be about to start looking nervously over their shoulders.

Exclusive: Man United want midfielder and right wing-back

Our chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that the Manchester United hierarchy are actively looking for a new midfielder to play in Amorim’s two-man pivot, as well as a right wing-back.

“They’ve got plans in place and are working according to that structure,” said Bailey.

“They’re still looking for a pivot midfielder and operating on the assumption that Amorim will be backed to build the squad he wants. Of course, things can always change, but right now, that’s the direction they’re moving in.

“They are looking at the defence too, a right wing-back, I am told, is on their radar. Centrally, they are considering what is needed. So, do [Harry] Maguire, [Luke] Shaw, [Lisandro] Martinez have long-term futures?

“That is something they have to assess, and so central defence could be an area that needs someone.”

The heart of United’s midfield has been a long-running issue for Amorim, made worse by the fact that Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave in January, either on loan or permanently.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Ruben Amorim’s future

Amorim led United to a dismal 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, and there has been very little improvement this time around despite him splashing over £200million in the summer.

Indeed, the Red Devils have already suffered three defeats in the top-flight and were embarrassingly knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.

But Ratcliffe has insisted that rumours around an imminent sacking are not true.

Speaking to The Times’ The Business podcast, the Ineos owner said: “He has not had the best of seasons.

“Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.”