Under-performing and apparently directionless, the new order at Manchester United are struggling to assert themselves on a club that expects so much. Devoid of any real craft, the summer transfer window was seen as a crucial part in the early weeks of the Moyes tenure, a period which ultimately ended in disappointment.

The Marouane Fellaini deal represented no more than a panicked knee-jerk after failing to secure any of the club’s first choice targets. You don’t spend over and above a recently expired release clause when you are behaving in a prudent well though out manner.

As it stands United are still bereft of that creative midfield influence that they yearned for back in the summer. Adnan Januzaj may be the Premier League flavour of the month, but he isn’t the answer for United at least in the short term. Come January, United will have to be both decisive and aggressive in filling the creative berth that lies vacant or else run the risk of a season of ultimate failure.

So what are the club’s options?

United were caught up in what turned out to be a bizarre transfer battle for Ander Herrera in the summer. A debacle which involved three lawyers turning up to act on behalf of United only to be identified as impostors. It would appear though that United did in fact make a bid and that interest still exists in the 24 year old Spaniard. United fell £5m short of the Spaniard’s £31m release clause and as such Bilbao refused to even contemplate selling their star man. Herrera though was keen to express his appreciation of United’s interest:

"Obviously when United make an offer for you it's very flattering and I'm very grateful.

"It makes me proud that one of the leading clubs in the world are interested in me. It shows that I'm doing things well."

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£31m is a huge amount of money to spend on someone, and considering the question marks people have raised over Herrera I would argue it would be an unnecessary risk. Herrera emerged from a crop of talented young Bilbao stars tipped for bright futures; capped at Spanish youth level he was highlighted as one of the nation’s most prodigious stars.

However, now at the age of 24 he is a glaring example of someone who hasn’t quite kicked on. No full international caps to date, and a pretty mediocre couple of seasons at club level have seen his stock fall rather than rise. Two assists and two goals in all competitions last term are hardly the stats to back up a £31m investment are they?

United’s fixation with Fabregas was also another summer theme; seemingly their main target, I suppose the level of persistence was somewhat admirable. Don’t get me wrong Fabregas is a quality footballer who would fit in extremely well at United, but at what club wouldn’t he? The problem has always been Barcelona's willingness to sell and the player’s willingness to come. Fabregas has continued to reiterate his love for Arsenal and his desire only to return to them if to any Premier League club at all. So even if United could convince Barcelona to sell, I doubt the player would want to come anyway. A waste of time and effort for United throughout the summer, you would hope they don’t make the same mistake again come January.

Now onto the man that they really should be spending their money on: Koke.

The 21 year old has been going about his business quietly under the excellent stewardship of Diego Simeone at Athletico Madrid. Much in the same vein of the team itself, the last couple of seasons have seen a real rise to prominence. Eight games in and the midfielder already has two goals and six assists to his name, firing his side to 2nd in the table and tantalising close to leaders Barcelona. Koke unlike other names mentioned would command a fee of a mere £16m, practically small change in todays terms. An apparent release clause will mean United competing with an array of clubs for the youngsters signature but if the club can act decisively then they may well be onto a winner here.

The draw of moving to United shouldn’t be underestimated, even at a time when Athletico may consider themselves at least on a par footballing wise to the Manchester club.

United need a creative influence desperately and personally of all the options likely to be available Koke is the standout name for me.

Do you agree that the Spaniard is the man to fill the creative void at United?

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