Manchester United: 5 Players Sir Alex Must Target In January

Manchester United is having a hard time in the Premier League. The squad is again and there is a lack of fresh talents in the system. The team looks competent enough to be in the top four of the EPL, but if they are to win anything this year, they will need a high profile addition during the January transfer window.

The recent draw against Bolton exposed the slow and blunt play of the Unted midfield, which is the center of all activity in the game. Only Nani looked to be in form, while the rest of the team struggled to keep up the pace and skills.

The recent injury to Antonio Valencia and the never-coming-back Owen Hargreaves has left vacancies crying out to be filled at Old Trafford. To win a damn thing this season, United needs to spend cash this winter. Here we have listed the most suitable options for United boss Sir Alex, whom he must target this January. 

David De Gea: A Farewell To Edwin Van Der Sar?

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MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: David de Gea of Atletico Madrid celebrates after team mate Raul Garcia scored his team's first goal during the La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at Vicente Calderon Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Madrid,

Welcome to Atletico De Madrid, and welcome to the era of De Gea. The 19-year old goalkeeper has been so impressive that he has drawn interest from the world's biggest clubs. He has not earned many clean sheets, but he is a spring material in-front of the goal, who has risen from the youth academy at Atletico. Now a starting line goalkeeper for the Spanish club, he is a rising superstar rated at around £12 million. He started his 2010-11 season in style, helping his team win the UEFA Super Cup over Inter Milan, saving a Diego Milito penalty in the process.

Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly been said to be interested in this young sensation as he is looking for a long term replacement in goal. Current 'keeper Edwin van der Sar , at age  40, may be playing in his last season, while in house options like Tomasz Kuszczak don't appear ready for the next level.

De Gea again put in a wonderful performance when Atletico drew against Valencia last week. Could we be looking at the next big thing at Old Trafford?

Jack Rodwell: The Record Breaking Youngster

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: Jack Rodwell of Everton beats Cesar Daniel Garipe of Everton Chile during the pre-season friendly match between Everton and Everton Chile at Goodison Park on August 4, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/G

Yes, he is the record breaking youngest player ever to play for the Toffees at the age of just 16. He is a gem cultivated in the heart of Everton and Sir Alex has already expressed his desire to acquire this new sensation. 

What has made the United midfield look ordinary in recent games is the absence of play-makers and a good anchoring midfielder. Yes, Darren Fletcher is always there to anchor it, but he is not competent enough to take all big burdens on his shoulders. The prolonged injury of Owen Hargreaves has left United shaky and uncertain where it must be firm and bold.

The arrival of Rodwell would put an end to the midfield problems to a great extent. Rodwell is physical enough for the EPL and he can defend as well as go forward and contribute offensively. Remember Rodwell's brilliant individual goal last year against United? Though David Moyes has expressed his desire not let the gem go, we have seen the arrival of stars from Everton before, including our little-goal-monster Wayne Rooney.

Even reports say that Sir Alex is keen to sign this 19 year old gem from Everton. After losing out to Arsenal in the race to sign Aaron Ramsey in 2008, he will not let his chance go this time. 

Steven Defour: The Missing Link?

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LIEGE, BELGIUM - OCTOBER 02: Steven Defour of Standard Liege celebrates on the final whistle after victory in the UEFA Cup first round, second leg match, between Standard Liege and Everton at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, on October 2, 2008 in Liege,Belgium. (

Maybe what United needs most at the moment. A central midfielder who is also  capable of playing in a more attacking, play-making role.

Steven Defour, 22, is one of the most highly rated young talents in Europe and given his recent performances for Belgian side Standard Liege, it's not surprise as to why. He is a Belgium International and won the Golden Shoe award for Jupiter league in 2008.

Sir Alex has been interested in him for some time and also sent him letter wishing him a quick recovery from a recurring injury. However, he is not still 100% fit from this injury and perhaps Sir Alex is waiting for the right time to bring him to Old Trafford. A player rated at around £12 million, his attacking prowess could be just the right tonic for United.

Alexis Sanchez: Has The Eagle Eye Spotted Another Diamond?

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 28: Alexis Sanchez of Chile runs with the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Round of Sixteen match between Brazil and Chile at Ellis Park Stadium on June 28, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by

Sir Alex has long been interested in Udinese star Alexis Sanchez and was further impressed by his super form and performance at the World Wup for Chile.

The 22-year old is a lightning fast dribbler and precise passer of the ball, ever dangerous and creative in the attacking third. Plus, he is also a great goalscorer, with natural flair and style. He can run past the defenders like a bullet fired and is known at home as "El Niño Maravilla" (The Wonder Boy).

Antonio Valencia's long term injury has raised the eyebrows of Sir Alex and he may think of spending a little more money this January to bring in reinforcements. Sir Alex has confirmed his interest in signing this sensational talent and was quoted as saying, "We have looked at Sanchez and he has impressed us...He can be an interesting project".

So, has the eagle eye of the old coach spotted another diamond, just like Christiano Ronaldo or Wayne Rooney?

Wesley Sneijder: The Unhappy's Happy Dream

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MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 11: Wesley Sneijder of FC Internazionale looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 11, 2010 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Now this would really be a dream come true. Wesley Sneijder, now one of the top notch midfielders in the world, is unhappy with his spell playing in Inter at San Siro, unimpressed by new boss Rafael Benitez. Rafa has had a pretty up and down start at Inter and has not won many hearts. This leaves us an unhappy Dutchman at the end of the day, who has expressed his desire to move away from the club in near future.

Manchester United has long being linked with Sneijder, whose wonderful WC performance led the Dutch to the final. But a move could never be finalized due to the inflated price tag. However, things have changed a little here. The departure of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid has left Sneijder to consider his future and he was quoted saying that he could never refuse an offer from a club like Manchester United. He has also expressed his desire to reunite with his former boss Jose, but that chance looks bleak due to his former stint at Real.

The United Boss has to really follow up with a good bid for the 26-year old play-maker who has publicly expressed his desire to play in the Red jersey. So, will it be a dream come true, a happy ending for everyone?