Manchester United Transfers: 4 Defenders for Red Devils from NPower Championship

Manchester United is at a crossroads.

On one hand, the Red Devils are just three points—and a bucketful of goals—behind cross-town rival Manchester City for the lead in the league table. 

On the other hand, they have dropped their last two league games to—of all teams—Blackburn and Newcastle by a combined score of 6-2.

The boys of Old Trafford were favored to win their 20th league title this year. But, continued tension between manager Sir Alex Ferguson and star forward Wayne Rooney, along with a once-proud defense decimated by injuries, has led to Manchester United gasping for air at the midway point in the season.

Help may or may not be on the way, but one thing's for sure—whoever comes to help will be incredibly pricey.

Or will they?

There's options in the nPower Championship, the second division of English football just below the Premier League. There are some quality players there that could help out Manchester United's limping back line.

The choices are few, but they're there and they're ready to face Premier League caliber forwards.

Who are these diamonds in the rough?

Here's four of the best options for the Red Devils to replenish their ailing defense.

Frazer Richardson, Southampton

Southampton has a great chance of becoming the first team since Hull City to jump two divisions in two consecutive seasons.

This is because of Frazer Richardson.

The 29-year-old center back has been playing in the top two divisions of English football since 2001. He's a seasoned veteran for a Southampton side that has a two-point lead on the rest of the nPower Championship League.

He's strong in the box, crosses the ball as well as anyone and supports the attack well—as is shown by his six assists so far this season. He's also quick and chases down the ball with ease.

Abdoulaye Faye, West Ham United

Like Southampton, West Ham United has a two-point lead on a return back to the Premier League.

Unlike Southampton, the Hammers are doing it with a balanced approach—and that includes a defense that has allowed a league-low 23 goals through 25 games.

Abdoulaye Faye deserves a lot of the credit for that.

The 33-year-old center back is powerful on the pitch and in the most important of times, helping Stoke City reach last season's FA Cup. 

West Ham United have spent most of the last two decades near the top of the English football pyramid. When they get back there, someone in the Premiership will surely scoop up Faye.

Now is the time for Manchester United to strike and get a player who still has a few good years left in him.

Julien Faubert, West Ham United

If Faye is too old of a prospect for Manchester United, his teammate, Julien Faubert, could be just what the club needs.

The French international who plays right back for West Ham United is a versatile prospect who can play any position on the defensive back line. He supports the attack well, as he's contributed to five of the team's 40 goals this season.

He has extensive experience at the top level of football for France's Ligue 1 and England's Premier League. He's completed seven seasons against the best that Europe has to offer.

Jack Hobbs, Hull City

Physically strong and composed, Jack Hobbs is a 23-year-old behemoth of a man in the box for a Hull City team that is trying to make its way back into a the Premier League after being relegated in 2010.

Hobbs would be the second-tallest player on Manchester United's defense at 6'3". He'd defiantly provide some bulk to a defensive back line that is lacking it.