Ralf Rangnick has lined up three midfield targets as he looks to address Manchester United 's unresolved issues in the middle of the park.
The German has already made a positive impact at Old Trafford, claiming a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in his first Premier League outing and showing faith in United's youngsters during this week's 1-1 draw with Young Boys in the Champions League.
After impressing during discussions with the club's hierarchy prior to his interim appointment, Rangnick has reportedly been entrusted with a £100m transfer budget, having earmarked United's midfield as a key area for development.
Predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer received criticism for his tendency to field McTominay and Fred as a central midfield pairing, but despite the latter netting the winner on Rangnick's debut against the Eagles on Sunday, it appears the Red Devils' new coach is already eyeing up replacements in January.
According to ESPN, Rangnick highlighted RB Leipzig's Amadou Haidara, Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips as three potential midfield targets during his interview with club chiefs after expressing his concerns over United's current strength in the centre of the pitch.
Mali international Haidara in particular is a player Rangnick knows well having worked closely together at Leipzig during the 2018-19 campaign when the German stepped in to manage the Bundesliga outfit for a second time.
United will face tough competition from rivals Liverpool in their pursuit of Bellingham after the Reds emerged as favourites for his signature.
The Red Devils were previously pipped to the 18-year-old's signature by Dortmund back in 2020 as he opted for a £25m move to German over Manchester.
A fourth name reportedly mentioned was that of Bellingham's Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland, who unsurprisingly appears to be high-up on the wishlist of most top teams from around Europe.
While the 63-year-old coach was quick to praise his chosen midfield pairing of McTominay and Fred for his first match in charge, he did outline areas for improvement.
Which midfielder should Manchester United sign in January ? Let us know in the comments section below.
Speaking after the victory of Palace, Rangnick said: "They did one or two or three mistakes, especially in the first half there were two square passes; one from Scott, one from Fred.
"I don't like those kinds of balls in midfield in those positions. But overall, when the other team is in possession of the ball, both Fred and Scotty they are almost perfect for that kind of football."
The other midfield options current at Rangnick's disposal include an ageing Nemanja Matic, an out-of-favour Donny van de Beek and a soon to be out-of-contract Paul Pogba.
Despite only taking up the managerial position at United on an interim basis, Rangnick has agreed to take up a consultancy role with the club in the summer at the earliest.
The position will reportedly include having a say in transfer decisions at the club which suggest United are likely to make squad changes in January as they plan for the future and look to embark on a new era.
