By Alexander Lapp
Under Louis van Gaal, Manchester United have had a roller coaster ride to say the least.
Players being brought in have had some mixed results and whilst the team is not playing at its best, they are still in the hunt for that ever important top four finish.
There are some quality players already in the team, but there is definitely room for major improvements.
The full-backs are dropping like flies and the midfield can use some new blood. No matter who Van Gaal wants, money will not be an issue.
Supporters will agree that January signings are needed if they have any chance to catch the top four.
David De Gea has shown why Real Madrid are eager to snatch him. Other than him, every position can be improved.
Here are FIVE players for United to buy in January to achieve top four and take them to the next level……
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE 5 PLAYERS!
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Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg)
Rodriguez has known to be one of the best future left backs in Europe.
Currently at Wolfsburg, he was rumoured at numerous clubs over the summer.
With Ashley Young currently sidelined for a lengthy period, this would be a perfect move for the left back with loads of potential.
However, United still have Luke Shaw, but the club will not know how he will come back after fracturing his leg.
Purchasing Rodriguez will give Manchester United plenty of cover long term at left-back.
Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Dortmund would be questioned severely if they sold Hummels in January, but this type of player would help shore up United’s backline.
Chris Smalling has been a revelation for them this season, but United needs someone to partner up with Smalling.
Hummels was rumoured extensively with United over the summer, which never came to fruition.
David De Gea can only do so much between the sticks and another solid centre back like Hummels would do wonders for United’s supporters.
William Carvalho (Sporting Lisbon)
Morgan Schneiderlin has been solid throughout the season as a defensive midfielder, but they haven’t found someone consistent enough to partner up with him.
Fellaini, Schweinsteiger, and Carrick have rotated, but none of them have found great success with Schneiderlin.
Carvalho has been linked with Arsenal for a couple years now and if Arsenal won’t pull the trigger, United should.
He is powerful, strong in the air, and can distribute well.
A partnership between Schneiderlin and Carvalho would be solid in the middle.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund)
Manchester United should turn its attention again to Dortmund as they have quite an exciting forward prospect.
He has pace that is much needed up top.
With Van Gaal currently playing Martial out wide, Rooney is playing up top with the speed non-existent for a player who is ageing rapidly.
Aubameyang would allow Rooney to drop into that number 10 role and allow someone as fast as Aubameyang to run rampant.
This would give United an exciting frontline to compete not only in England but in Europe.
Viktor Fischer (Ajax)
Memphis Depay hasn’t exactly paid off for United, but everyone believes he will be successful in a couple years.
Martial isn’t a wide player for his future, which leaves a winger position available.
At only 21, Fischer has potential to be one of the best wide players in the world.
He has developed from the famous Ajax academy and with Van Gaal’s Dutch connection, this transfer could happen.
Depay and Fischer on the outside would create some headaches for opposing managers for many years to come.
