Ralf Rangnick is looking to add a tall midfielder capable of replacing Nemanja Matic in next month's transfer window, according to reports.
The German is not planning for a host of new arrivals, but is looking to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
Manchester United were linked with a new midfielder in the summer, but ultimately failed to bring one in.
Now, with a new man at the helm, Rangnick is looking to add a new face to provide competition for the likes of of Fred and Scott McTominay.
The latter has played regularly since the new manager came in, but is not seen as a replacement for Matic, reports the Athletic.
Rangnick wants a tall and dominating presence in central midfield.
Declan Rice has been linked previously and continues to grow in stature at West Ham.
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Jude Bellingham was a target before he moved to Borussia Dortmund, but neither men are likely to move mid-season.
It leaves Rangnick to look elsewhere, but he has been lauded for his recruitment in the past, particularly in his role at Red Bull.
Amadou Haidara, current playing at RB Leipzig, has been touted as a possible target.
Rangnick did warn against expecting mass arrivals in January, citing moves in January as "unsustainable".
He said: "From my experience, winter is not the best time for sustainable transfers.
"With the quality of players we have here, it would in theory only make sense if you can get players who can guarantee you more quality. From experience, this will be difficult in the winter."
United invested in Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane in the summer.
Those signings were seen as potential difference makers for former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he was unable to get the squad to gel.
As a result Rangnick is now trying to get a tune out of a team who could yet miss out on the top four.
The German may have to deal with several departures as certain individuals consider their own futures.
Anthony Martial has expressed a desire to leave having slipped down the pecking order whilst Jesse Lingard has rejected the offer of a new deal.
Reports state that he is happy to see out the season though before becoming a free agent in the summer.
Donny van de Beek was regularly overlooked under Solskjaer but may get more opportunities with Rangnick at the helm.
Phil Jones is another to be linked with a move away as he targets more minutes following several injury-hit seasons.
