Manchester United could use the January transfer window to prove their ambition after defender Lisandro Martinez accused the club's hierarchy of failing to invest in the playing squad. The outburst followed Tuesday's defeat to Atletico Madrid, with Martinez pointing the finger at senior figures including director of football Jason Wilcox. His future at Old Trafford is now believed to be uncertain, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Potential January arrivals
Should United wish to take Martinez's advice on board, they could start by spending wisely in the January market to build a competitive team for the second half of the season. Three players stand out as options who would instantly improve the Red Devils.
Rayan Ait-Nouri
United tried to sign the Manchester City defender in the final hours of the summer window but were immediately told no by their cross-city rivals. However, after City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period, the situation could be different in January.
It has been suggested that several players could leave the Etihad Stadium, and Ait-Nouri could be among them. He would offer quality cover for Luke Shaw, who is United's only senior left-back at the moment. A deal won't be easy given the historic rivalry, but United could prove their ambition by bringing the 25-year-old to Old Trafford.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
United were also linked with another striker during the summer but failed to sign one before the window closed. Matheus Cunha has been deputising as the lone attacker this season, with Benjamin Sesko's campaign disrupted by a persistent shin injury.
Another natural centre-forward would give United much better depth in that position, and Mateta would be a solid option. He is a proven Premier League goalscorer and could be acquired for a bargain fee, with his contract at Crystal Palace expiring at the end of the season.
Jarrad Branthwaite
United could also do with a new central defender to provide both quality and additional depth. They have already conceded nine league goals so far this season, more than the likes of Hull City, Everton and Nottingham Forest.
Branthwaite has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for several seasons. He is now a fully-fledged England international and still has plenty of room for improvement at the age of 24, making him a long-term solution in the middle of defence. Everton are said to have placed an £80million price tag on Branthwaite, but United will have to get used to paying large fees again if they actually want to sign top players. If he keeps developing well over the next few years, he could be worth every penny.
