Manchester United FC: Ranking the Red Devils' Potential Transfer Targets

Manchester United's poor Champions League campaign showed that the club really needs a creative midfielder to generate quality scoring chances from the midfield to forwards such as Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.

Without Paul Scholes, and now Darren Fletcher, the United midfield just does not have an attacking talent who can score goals and make brilliant passes to strikers.

Let's look at three targets Ferguson should watch and potentially make a move for in January.

1. Wesley Sneijder, Inter Milan

Sneijder must be Ferguson's top January target because he is the absolute perfect player to solve the problems in the club's midfield right now.

Sneijder is a world-class playmaker and can spot runs and create scoring chances with ease. His defensive skills are underrated as well.

The Dutchman should have gone to Old Trafford in the summer, but the club was unwilling to meet his wage demands.

United must budge on their wage stance and sign Sneijder in January. He would ignite the Red Devils attack and make them much better in the center of the pitch.

2. Christian Eriksen, Ajax

Christian Eriksen is an attacking midfielder who would really fit in well with Manchester United. the 19-year-old man from Ajax is a great talent who can be a playmaker in the center of the field.

With a price tag of at least £20 million, Ferguson would not have to break the bank for Eriksen. A recent ESPN Soccernet report suggest that United are keeping a close tab on him.

3. Mario Götze, Borussia Dortmund

The German star is an attacking midfielder who can score goals and has done so against many top clubs in both the Champions League and the Bundesliga.

Götze has also been a target of Arsenal, but the Gunners are likely to buy a forward more than a midfielder in January.

Ferguson would be smart to buy Götze because he is a young star who is already a world-class talent, but at age 19 he has much room for improvement.

With a price tag of around £25 million, Götze would be cheaper and younger than Sneijder, but other top European clubs will show lots of interest in him next month.

Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report.

Follow @NicholasGoss35