Manchester United recently decided to replace Michael Carrick with Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager.
The Argentine is still in charge of the United States national team, but he will formally take charge next week.
Pochettino has a tough assignment ahead as he aims to propel the club away from the Premier League drop zone.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that United could back Pochettino with a couple of signings at the turn of the year.
A new striker and a defender could be pursued. We believe Jean-Philippe Mateta and Alejandro Balde could be targeted.
Mateta has been long on the radar of the Red Devils, and the Frenchman has first-hand experience in the Premier League.
He has netted 42 league goals for Crystal Palace during the last three seasons, but the current campaign has been disruptive.
The 29-year-old striker was eager to leave the Eagles last summer, but a hamstring injury in August scuppered his chances.
Mateta recently returned to league action for the south London club, only to pick up an unfortunate red card last month.
It has been reported that Mateta would be open to joining United in January, with his contract expiring at the end of June.
In our view, he would be a no-brainer signing for the club, given his track record.
Mateta has the ability to get into brilliant scoring positions, and has also excelled with his hold-up play and aerial prowess.
With Benjamin Sesko likely to be absent beyond January due to a shin issue, Mateta would provide a fantastic focal point in United’s attack.
The striker almost joined AC Milan last winter for £30 million, only to fail a medical for a knee issue, which he has since fully recovered from.
United should feel they can prise him away for just £10-15m this winter. He would be a low-risk signing, given his rich league experience.
Alongside him, a new left-back appears a necessity, given Luke Shaw’s injury record and Patrick Dorgu’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Dorgu showed his class in an attacking capacity against Aston Villa. He bagged a goal and an assist on his return from injury as a substitute.
However, the Dane is not the best in his positioning at the back and fares better as a winger. Hence, there is definite room for a marquee left-back.
We believe United should seek a loan move for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde to assess whether the Spaniard can adapt to the Premier League.
The left-back was under United’s consideration last summer, but he chose to fight for his spot under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
However, the decision has not proved worthwhile for him, with just 124 minutes across five appearances for the Catalan giants thus far.
Balde has had just one start against Real Madrid.
Barcelona recently suffered a big setback with Xavi Espart out with injury until late December, but Balde has still found himself out of contention.
Joao Cancelo has played at left-back, while Flick has gone with 20-year-old Brian Farinas at right-back, with Jules Kounde nursing an injury too.
Hence, we won’t be surprised if Balde opens the door for a move in January, having resisted the prospect during the summer transfer window.
Sport previously said that Balde could be signed for £42 million, but United may need to tread carefully, given the left-back’s injury record.
The club should initially assess whether the Spaniard can cope with the league’s intensity and physicality before committing to a permanent deal.
We feel United should propose a short-term loan with an option to buy next summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com