The Missing Link: Is Jean Makoun What Manchester United Need?

Manchester United have gone top of the Premier League after a Ji-Sung Park header ensured a 1-0 victory against Arsenal.

They currently top the Barclay's Premier League and maintain the best scoring record with 36 goals in 16 matches.

This comes as no surprise when they have an attacking force comprised of quality players like Rooney and Nani. They've also remained defensively sound, with just 16 goals conceded.

So it would be pretty dramatic to say that they need a drastic change come this January, but the one category they are truly lacking in is central midfield.

Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, and Anderson are the current starters in midfield,  which leave Manchester United with great passers, but not a true holding midfielder who can track back and make tough tackles.

Not to mention 36-year-old Paul Scholes, a legend at Manchester United, is currently injured, and has revealed that he is not far from retirement.

While Manchester United's attackers have looked bright this season, the midfield is dwindling and not contributing to the attack as much as one might have expected.

Don't get me wrong, Anderson and Fletcher have been as impressive as ever, but the one player who has been truly disappointing is Michael Carrick.

Carrick is an undoubtedly fantastic player, but he does not fit in well with Manchester United's quick-paced style of play and fails to contribute much to the team on a weekly basis.

So what is the solution, you might ask? Well to give my simple opinion, the answer is Jean Makoun.

Makoun is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world and has been very impressive since arriving at Lyon in 2008. He's a dynamic midfielder who can score on occasion; he has a great passing range and a knack for tackling.

He loves to get forward and take shots, which is no problem since he is great at retaining possession for his team. 

He could easily overtake Michael Carrick in the lineup due to better attacking capabilities.

They are very similar players, who can control a game with passing and thrive on possession, but Makoun would offer much more to the team and is a far more influential attacker. He can make smart passes, play great long balls, and even score beautiful goals. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJsEl6PgvbM)

Makoun was linked with Manchester United a few seasons back, even dubbed as the "£20 million replacement for Paul Scholes."

Now, Manchester United could now pick him up from Lyon in the January transfer window as he has expressed his desire to leave for a club where he can accomplish more playing time.

However, Manchester United must act quickly as he is wanted by a number of other European clubs.