Man Utd’s XI if John Murtough signs three players in the January transfer window

Man Utd: New Football Director John Murtough in profile

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Manchester United could make as many as three signings when the transfer window reopens in January. John Murtough is likely to take action at the earliest opportunity to help the Red Devils transform their form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. So Express Sport will now take a look at how the fallen Premier League giants could look if they’re successful in landing the likes of Jules Kounde, Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice.

Goalkeeper: De Gea

Many were expecting Dean Henderson to be United’s No 1 when the season kicked off in August.

However, with the England international sidelined through coronavirus at the start of the campaign, that’s given David De Gea a chance to shine.

And it’s fair to say the 31-year-old hasn’t disappointed.

Though United have been close to woeful under Solskjaer, the Spain international has started to regain the form of old.

And everybody associated with the club will be hopeful De Gea can maintain his consistency as they look for an upturn in form and fortune.

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Defence: Trippier, Kounde, Varane, Shaw

United have been linked with Kounde in recent days.

And with Harry Maguire suffering, Eric Bailly erratic and Victor Lindelof still hit and miss, the Sevilla star could be pursued to partner Raphael Varane.

United could even choose to sign Kounde because of Varane, who appears to be suffering from injury issues during the early stages of his career at Old Trafford.

A second player the Red Devils could go in for is Trippier, who has sparkled for Atletico Madrid.

And he’d represent the ideal upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka given his ability going forward.

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Midfield: Rice, McTominay, Fernandes

Even though United have switched to playing three at the back, that change of system could merely be temporary.

Because, should they sign Rice from West Ham in January, they’d be able to play more on the front foot.

The England international has been outstanding for the Hammers and it’s possible the Red Devils will test their stance on him when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

Should they be able to sign Rice, who could cost as much as £100million, they’d likely deploy Scott McTominay alongside him.

And, playing ahead of the pair, would be the mercurial Bruno Fernandes.

Forwards: Greenwood, Ronaldo, Rashford

Jadon Sancho has barely featured for United amid their poor form under Solskjaer.

And with Mason Greenwood such a prodigy, it’s possible the former Borussia Dortmund star’s woes will go on.

United look strong with Greenwood on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left.

Cristiano Ronaldo would expect to start at the tip of Solskjaer’s attack, regardless of the opposition, after netting nine times since returning.

And if United can bolster their squad with three reinforcements, they may be able to save their season after all.

Man Utd next five fixtures:

Watford – November 20, Vicarage Road – 3pm.

Villarreal – November 23, Estadio de la Ceramica – 5.45pm.

Chelsea – November 28, Stamford Bridge – 4.30pm.

Arsenal – December 2, Old Trafford – 8.15pm.

Crystal Palace – December 5, Old Trafford – 2pm.

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