Man Utd’s title-challenging XI if Ten Hag signs two players in January

Erik ten Hag reviews Man Utd's win v West Ham

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Manchester United signed six players for Erik ten Hag back in the summer. However, they’re ready to take more action when the transfer window reopens in January as they eye a shot at the Premier League title. Jeremie Frimpong and Joao Felix are two players being linked, so Express Sport will now take a look at how the Red Devils could line up if the duo arrive.

Goalkeeper: De Gea

At the beginning of the season, many were quick to criticise David De Gea after he struggled in defeats to Brentford and Brighton.

But, in the time since, the Spain international has regained his mojo – winning Ten Hag’s trust in the process.

Plenty has been said and written about his distribution, with the 31-year-old admittedly paling in comparison when it comes to Ederson and Alisson.

Yet De Gea’s shot-stopping remains outstanding, something that was evident in their narrow 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.

United may very well try and upgrade on the former Atletico Madrid star in the summer – but not in January. For now, he’s safe.

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Defence: Frimpong, Martinez, Varane, Shaw

Diogo Dalot hasn’t put a foot wrong for United this season.

But Ten Hag knows the former Porto star needs genuine competition at the club, having deemed Aaron Wan-Bissaka not good enough.

Signing Frimpong, who started his career across town at Manchester City, would give Dalot even more of an incentive to kick on – and allow the Portugal international a breather when needed.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez will likely continue to be the club’s first-choice centre-back pairing when the France international is back from injury.

And Luke Shaw is currently ahead of Tyrell Malacia in Ten Hag’s pecking order, with the England international back in favour after struggling at the start of the season.

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Midfield: Casemiro, Eriksen, Fernandes

United fans have had to be patient when it comes to assembling a world-class midfield.

But, these days, the Red Devils have top operators in that position. Certainly, the days where Fred and Scott McTominay were regularly partnered up seem a long time ago.

Casemiro is the ‘cement between the stones’ for the Red Devils and, after joining from Real Madrid, has gone from strength to strength.

Christian Eriksen has impressed, too, with the Denmark international a slick operator week in, week out.

And though Bruno Fernandes doesn’t score or assist with the same frequency of old, he remains one of Ten Hag’s most-trusted players at the club.

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Forwards: Antony, Felix, Rashford

There’s still a chance Cristiano Ronaldo will leave United in January, especially with the 37-year-old no longer guaranteed a regular starting spot.

And, if he does go, then Felix would certainly be a top replacement.

Unlike Victor Osimhen, who has also been linked, the Atletico Madrid star is unhappy at his current club and would welcome the chance to depart in the New Year.

If Felix signs, Antony will likely go on the right.

And Marcus Rashford would then rock up on the left, allowing him to play in his favourite position having predominantly been used as a No 9 so far this season.

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United’s mixed January record

United have a mixed record when it comes to signing players in January.

Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra were both hits upon moving to Old Trafford in 2006, with the pair proceeding to win 10 Premier League titles between them.

And Fernandes has been good since his move from Sporting Lisbon nearly three years ago.

Alexis Sanchez was a dud, however, with the Chile international failing to live up to expectations after his move from Arsenal in 2018.

And the less said about the likes of Manucho, Zoran Tosic and Dong Fangzhou, the better.

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