Manchester United Transfers: 6 Players Sir Alex Ferguson May Target in January

Manchester United could hardly ask for a better start to the Premier League season.

The line reads like this: seven matches, six wins, one draw, 19 points, 25 goals scored, five goals against and a goal differential of plus-19.

Oh, and there was that 8-2 demolition of Arsenal. Not that anyone remembers that.

Still, if Sir Alex Ferguson's history has taught us anything, it's that the longtime Manchester United manager is never, ever satisfied.

That's why we think he'll be looking to make a deal or two in the January transfer window.

Well, that and the fact that his squad's performances over the last few weeks have leveled off a bit. But that's not surprising—no team could keep up United's early-season form.

With a few midseason reinforcements, however, United could make another strong run down the stretch.

Here are six names Fergie might target.

Ross Barkley, Everton

Barkley is an up-and-coming English midfielder who turns 18 in December. So, if my math is right, that makes him younger than Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Crikey.

A couple weeks ago, the interwebs blew up with anticipation over Barkley's inevitable move to a bigger club. Manchester United was mentioned as a possible destination, prompting unfortunate comparisons of Barkley to Wayne Rooney.

The fact is, they're different players. But we all know United would love to steal another prodigy from Everton.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Sporting

Yes, that's his real name.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel is a Dutch international striker who plays for Sporting in Portugal. The Guardian has a report linking him to Manchester United.

If nothing else, United would have a leg-up in the best-name squad if they sign Van Wolfenwhatever.

Nico Gaitan, Benfica

Sir Alex Ferguson must have been impressed with someone when Benfica drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the Champions League.

TalkSport.co.uk has this report about United having interest in Benfica's "wing wizard" Nico Gaitan.

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Argentine winger Gaitan has been in exceptional form so far this season in his side's unbeaten start to the campaign - and caught the eye in Benfica's 1-1 Champions League draw with United in September.

And now, according to reports in Portugal, Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a move for the 23-year-old but he will face competition from a number of top clubs across Europe.

But Jose Iribarren, who is Gaitan's agent, insists his client is happy at Benfica.

"Gaitan still has much more to give at Benfica," he told O Jogo. "He is doing a great job and it is normal that foreign clubs are following him but he is currently happy where he is."

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United previously signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani from Portugal, so this might be something to watch for come January.

Javi Garcia, Benfica

Here's a report from Metro about Manchester United's interest in midfielder Javi Garcia.

Garcia plays with Benfica (remember what we said in the last slide?) and the report says that he has also been courted by AC Milan.

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The pricetag is reportedly £10 million.

The 24-year-old enforcer has impressed in Portugal since arriving from Real Madrid for £6million in 2009, and now two of Europe’s biggest clubs have reportedly made him a prime January target.

United are well stocked on centre midfielders, with Anderson, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher all competing for two spots on Sir Alex Ferguson’s team sheet.

However, the reigning champions have been accused of lacking a bit of bite in recent times, and Fergie could well be tempted to make his move for the highly-rated midfielder when the transfer window reopens.

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Shinji Kagawa, Borussia Dortmund

Reports have linked Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund's Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa for some time now.

The rumours are back, with United reportedly battling Liverpool, AC Milan and Juventus for the 22-year-old.

Milos Krasic, Juventus

This report from TalkSport says Juventus has told Manchester United and Chelsea to end their interest in Serbian winger Milos Krasic.

This tells us two things.

For one, it tells us that Manchester United is interested in Krasic. What better way to know for sure than for the player's current club to admit it? And secondly, Manchester United will want him even more now. Telling United to back off is like telling a kid he can't eat candy.