REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
After one win in four Premier League games, it's only natural that Manchester United are already keeping an eye on the January transfer window.
By now, any weaknesses will be clear to Michael Carrick, who must ensure that a slow start doesn't develop into a concerning one for the sake of his tenure.
Defeat against Manchester City came with its own misfortune, but the fact is that Carrick failed to guide his side past the 10-men of Man United's local rivals. Something must change before INEOS live to regret their decision to hire the former midfielder on a permanent basis.
To that end, those at Old Trafford could also use this slow start as a sign that their manager needs more backing in January.
Already, reports have name-dropped targets like Adrien Truffert and Rayan in what would be a sensational Bournemouth raid, and it looks as though left-back will be the focus alongside an attacker.
REUTERS/Tony O Brien
It's well-documented that Man United were after a left-back in the summer, only to fail when pursuing Lewis Hall and Aljenadro Balde. Now, they're already back in the market ahead of January.
As for attackers, it's not just Rayan on their radar. Alongside the Bournemouth man, United are also targeting a Bundesliga star who has made an incredibly impressive start to the campaign.
Carrick personally wants Igor Matanovic at Man Utd
REUTERS/Manon Cruz
As reported by Fussball News in Germany, Carrick now wants Man United to sign Igor Matanovic from SC Freiburg. The 23-year-old has been on the Red Devils' radar since the summer and INEOS have now sent officials on a scouting mission in the Bundesliga, taking a closer look at the forward.
Whilst United have endured a slow start to the campaign, Matanovic has hit the ground running. The Freiburg star has scored six goals in six games in all competitions, impressing in front of Old Trafford scouts.
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26/27 stats Igor Matanovic Bryan Mbeumo Matheus Cunha Benjamin Sesko
Games 6 5 5 5
Goals 6 2 1 2
Assists 2 1 2 0
After the start he's made to the season, Matanovic would be Man United's best attacker right now. The forward has simply been superb and could turn a rapid start into an excellent campaign, especially if clubs come knocking in January.
Dubbed "excellent" by scout Jacek Kulig, it's also important to note that Matanovic has been clinical in the Bundesliga, scoring three goals with a 1.71 XG. In comparison, Mbeumo has underperformed with two goals from 2.79 XG.
The Freiburg forward is yet to prove his worth on the top stage, but INEOS haven't always signed the top stars. Mbeumo and Cunha came from sides between relegation and mid-table in the Premier League, Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig and Senne Lammens was an unknown star at Royal Antwerp.
Matanovic is of a similar ilk. If Man United are looking for an added attacking spark in January, then the 6'4 star could provide exactly that.
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