Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that discussions between the manager and the board bring positive news for this upcoming window.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho will be hoping to hold key meetings with Ed Woodward, in a bid to keep the team fighting on all four fronts come the end of the season. Although United trail City by 11 points, our regulars know that there is still a long way to go in the season, and anything can happen, coming into the crucial festive period.

Our landlord believes United need to strengthen in two areas to really start to push City hard in the league and have a successful Champions League campaign. With up to eight of his players’ contracts running out in the summer, this window could see a revolving door of ins and outs.

Many of our regular match goers would like to see these two areas take priority at the top of the shopping list.

The left-back position

Much of the focus should be that of the left-back position come the January window and Mourinho will surely know it needs addressing. Despite Ashley Young more than staking his claim, for the role this season with some outstanding performances, Luke Shaw is still United’s only recognised left-sided full back, but his United career hasn’t exactly gone the way he and the fans had hoped.

Needs a big player to finally replace Patrice Evra.

Midfield Reinforcements

In Paul Pogba’s absence, United struggle and nothing made this point clearer than the 2-1 Derby defeat against rivals Man City. United have been hit with many an injury in the midfield area this season, and sometimes Mourinho is only able to choose two out of his six central options.

A club of United’s stature shouldn’t be so reliant on one man, so Pogba certainly needs backing up.