Three areas Manchester United need to strengthen in January

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Manchester United are firmly in the face for a top four finish and have had a strong Christmas period, which should give them confidence heading into the second half of the season. There has been a steady improvement since Jose Mourinho took over as manager from Louis van Gaal, but he will know that there is even more to come from this squad. Although they have been good in recent weeks, they are still weak in a few positions and Mourinho will be keen to put that right in January. Here are three positions that Manchester United should target to strengthen in January:

Central defence

Manchester United haven’t been as reliable defensively as Jose Mourinho sides of the past and a big reason for that is the absence of a dominating centre back. Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones have been the partnership that has been favoured in recent weeks, but neither look to be good enough for the long term. United have been talking about Mourinho as a long term manager for the club and the centre back pairing needs to be improved if they are to challenge for trophies. Jones is too injury prone and Rojo is a red card waiting to happen. Mourinho will know that and I’m confident that they will sign a new centre back in January.

Victor Lindelof has been heavily linked with the club and he would offer the qualities that Mourinho looks for in a centre half. He is tall, dominant and good with his feet. Manchester United are lacking a physical presence to play alongside either Chris Smalling or Eric Bailly. Lindelof would offer that and has the ability to launch attacks from the defensive line. Another possible target is Virgil van Dijk, who has the same qualities and the added bonus of Premier League experience. There is a lot of interest in the Dutchman though and Manchester United won’t want to get engaged in a bidding war.