Manchester United News: Injuries Put Man U in Tough Spot Before Transfer Window

Don't believe the English Premier League table: Heading into the January transfer window, Manchester United aren't in as cushy a position as they appear to be.

The Red Devils certainly don't mind being just two points shy of Manchester City, given the adversity they've been through this season. Injuries up and down the first-team squad have left Sir Alex Ferguson's side devoid of the depth needed to compete in Europe, but have hardly robbed it of the opportunity to defend its league title.

Not yet, anyway.

With new boy Ashley Young picking up a knock to his knee against Fulham, United now sport enough injured players to populate most of a competitive starting XI, if not an entire infirmary. The former Aston Villa winger joins Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Rio Ferdinand, Tom Cleverley, Michael Owen and Anderson among those currently out of action for Man U.

That's along with Chicharito, Danny Welbeck and Rafael, who've missed time this year but have since returned to fitness.

Vidic will miss the remainder of the campaign, Fletcher might do the same. Cleverley, Owen and Anderson still lack a set timetable for return.

All of which puts Fergie between a rock and a hard place with the new year fast approaching. On the one hand, his club is good enough and resilient enough to keep pace with the "noisy neighbors" (6-1 be damned), and figure to be in an even stronger position once his wounded warriors return to fitness.

On the other hand, City aren't about to slow down anytime soon. Neither are Chelsea or Arsenal, both of whom are well within striking distance of the Red Devils in the Premiership.

Which, of course, means that Fergie will give the transfer market a once-over before he decides to stand pat. United have already been mentioned in connection with a number of midfield stars, including Wesley Sneijder, Lucas Biglia, Milos Krasic and Mesut Ozil—although it seems unlikely that Fergie would shell out the mega-millions necessary to pry each one from his respective club.

Especially with so much talent already on tap at Old Trafford.

Still, when push comes to shove, Fergie may have little choice but to make a splash in January. Just don't expect Man U's long-time boss to panic and spend a fortune on a big name—a la Chelsea with Fernando Torres last January. He has veterans like Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra that he can and likely will lean on when times get tough.

However, if Fergie does spring for an expensive player, then you'll know that United are truly in trouble.

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