Jose Mourinho’s reign at Man United has got off to an indifferent start.
The former Chelsea boss took over from sacked Louis van Gaal in the summer, and started the season well by winning his first three Premier League matches.
However, since then they have won just one of their four league games, which included a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to neighbours Man City. They have also made a slow start to their Europa League campaign, with a 1-0 defeat at Feyenoord preceding an uninspiring victory over Zorya Luchansk.
The Red Devils currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, already five points adrift of leaders City, and go into their next match away at Liverpool knowing that they can’t afford to keep dropping points.
Subsequently, Mourinho may already be looking ahead to what he can do in the January transfer window, by working out what areas may need improving in the second half of the season.
Here are THREE things the Portuguese must improve at United in January…
Full-back options
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Mourinho always wants his teams to be difficult to beat – we saw it at Chelsea where his side tended to have one of the best defensive records in the league (apart from last season!).
Antonio Valencia is currently United’s first choice right-back ahead of the completely out-of-favour Matteo Darmian and, although Valencia has started the season well, he’s not a full-back, and this could cause United issues against the better sides as the season progresses.
Mourinho has also been critical of Luke Shaw at times this season, so he may see it as a must to bring in another full-back to strengthen his backline.
Creative options
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Although United were much better against Stoke City prior to the international break, they are not quite firing on all cylinders yet and are lacking a bit of a creative spark.
Paul Pogba is sure to grow into this role now he’s playing in a more advanced position, but Mourinho may also look at adding Real Madrid playmaker Isco in the window to strengthen that area of the pitch.
The Spanish international is reportedly unhappy at the European champions, and could move to the Premier League sooner rather than later.
Finishing teams off
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
United had numerous opportunities against Stoke the other weekend but, albeit thanks to some decent goalkeeping from Lee Grant at times, they only had one goal to show for it.
For all of United’s attacking flair, they are struggling to kill teams off, and that ultimately cost them all three points against Mark Hughes’ side last time out.
This is something Mourinho may look at as an area that needs strengthening in January, and a player on their radar for a while now – Antoine Griezmann – could provide them with that clinical finishing.