Manchester United fans in the Transfer Tavern have been enjoying a turn in form lately with Jose Mourinho’s summer signings finally coming to the fore and putting together some strong performances.

That, though, has left many, including our landlord, wondering what could have happened this season for the club if United had managed to click earlier on.

They are, at best, going to finish in the top four this season when a title challenge could have been on if they’d hooked things up quicker but that is something they cannot change now.

Injuries and loss of form have stifled United’s progress – particularly at the back with injuries to Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw the most notable absentees to Mourinho’s side.

That, then, is why our landlord expects the Manchester United board to fund some defensive signings in January and he reckons these four players are viable options for the Red Devils…

Raphael Varane

With Mourinho being the manager that bought him to Madrid, there’s always going to be the suggestion that the two would like to link up again. For now, Zinedine Zidane has convinced him to stay at the Bernabeu but that could always change.

With the injuries to Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling as well as Daley Blind falling out of favour with Mourinho, our landlord truly expects for United to go back in for Varane this January.

Seamus Coleman

At 28-years-old, there won’t be many more opportunities for the Republic of Ireland international to make a move to a big club and Ronald Koeman could well lose his reliable right back in the January transfer window.

This would be a massive loss for Everton as well as a huge gain for Manchester United – not only because of the quality of Coleman. With Antonio Valencia as their only senior right back and Matteo Darmian looking less than convincing in his performances for the club down the left, gaining Coleman would be a major coup.

Marquinhos

With PSG struggling without Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season, Marquinhos could join his former captain and move to the Red Devils in January.

Saying this, as part of one of the best defences in Ligue 1 this season, it would take a hefty bid for PSG to part with the 22-year-old.

Our landlord believes this would be a massive coup for United and it’s certainly a possibility following PSG’s disappointing first half of the season.

Victor Lindelof

Our landlord fully expects Lindelof to join the Red Devils in January.

The Swedish international has won two Portuguese league titles whilst at Benfica and has been nicknamed ‘The Iceman’ for his calmness under pressure. The move certainly looks set be on and also, reportedly, has the seal of approval from fellow Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He can’t be a bad player, then, if the iconic forward rates him so highly.

Thoughts, United fans? Let us know below!