Manchester United fans would have been hoping for a few more wins from their side at this stage of the Premier League season.

Jose Mourinho, who took over from the sacked Louis van Gaal in the summer, has led the Red Devils to just five league victories in 12 games this season, and they are already nine points adrift of leaders Chelsea as a result.

They did start the campaign with three straight wins, but have stuttered to just two victories in eight since, with defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea throwing into doubt United’s title credentials.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Nonetheless, improving performances have given United fans hope that they can still challenge for the title come May, but their frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal on Saturday also highlighted their limitations, as it’s a game Mourinho’s side should have won.

United are sixth in the Premier League, five points behind fifth-place Tottenham and six behind Arsenal, and look in need of a few reinforcements to get them challenging at the top once again.

So, here are TWO Bundesliga stars Mourinho shoud try and snap up in January…

Julian Baumgartlinger

Photo: Witters / Offside

Manchester United have kept an eye on Austrian international Julian Baumgartlinger in recent weeks, with it looking likely that the 28-year-old will leave Bayer Leverkusen this season.

The midfielder only signed with the German outfit in the summer, but has struggled to nail down a regular first team spot, starting just five Bundesliga games so far.

Nonetheless, he’s a player with excellent ability in the midfield and, with Mourinho somewhat struggling to work out his best central-midfield partnership, bringing in a player like Baumgartlinger would certainly strengthen those options.

It would hardly be the most inspiring of signings, but United need someone in the middle of the park alongside either Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera, and Baumgartlinger could be that man.

David Alaba

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

It has been defensively where Manchester United have looked shaky this season, so Mourinho may look to bolster his backline in a bid to keep his side in the title race.

And he need not look any further than Bayern Munich’s David Alaba, who is one of the best defensive-minded players in world football.

Not only can he play at centre-back, but he can also deputise at left-back which, given Mourinho’s recent criticism of Luke Shaw, may be more beneficial to United. Alaba has also enjoyed success in the defensive midfield role.

Clearly, the Austrian international is a player who would seriously benefit United, be it in defence or just in front of it, and he’s the sort of player they’ve been missing at times this season.

With neighbours Manchester City also interested in Alaba’s services, Mourinho will have to act fast to bring his man to Old Trafford.