Three areas Manchester United need to strengthen in January

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Central midfield

It is the position that is seen as Manchester United’s biggest strength and they have found their best combination in Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba. As a trio, they offer balance as Carrick sits deep, Herrera plays box-to-box and Pogba is given freedom to roam. The problem initially was that Pogba was too deep and struggling to influence matches. As he was a huge investment, it was important that United found a role that suited him and he has thrived since the change. It is now crucial that United continue to play him in this role and for that to happen, they need to bring in another centre midfielder.

Michael Carrick is now 35 years old and he is unable to play in every match, especially towards the latter stages of the competition. There is nobody else who can play his role in the current squad and to maintain the fluidity in the side, they need to bring in cover. It would be useful for Manchester United to seek a young player, who can start at cover for Carrick, but grow and take over the role in the long run. It isn’t a priority for January as United have enough to get through until the end of the season, especially as they can rotate Carrick in the less important Europa League. However, in the summer it is a position that needs to be addressed, otherwise they will be too reliant on a 36-year-old.