Had you told Manchester United fans before a ball was kicked this term that mid-January their club would be sitting in sixth place in the league, they would not have been too happy.

The recently retired Louis van Gaal was much berated for his last season at the helm of the Red Devils, a season in which they finished fifth and also won the FA Cup.

And with heavy, and I mean really heavy, investment in the summer on the likes of near-£90m Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (he was free, but imagine the wage packet) and of course bringing in Jose Mourinho as the new man in charge, you can see why the current state of affairs will be frustrating.

A poor start to the season may be the cause, as Man United are looking as if they have finally found their feet - now undefeated in 17 games - but the Red Devils unfortunately still aren't looking like potential Premier League champions.

Some way off leaders Chelsea, they certainly have their work cut out if they are to win the title. Should they strengthen this January to give themselves at least a slim chance, these are the positions where we at FFC think they need to improve...

Centre-Back

Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand were, without a doubt, one of the best centre-back partnerships in world football during their prime. Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, however, are not.

While they have been performing relatively well, it is hardly the dream pairing that United need. Daley Blind was brilliant at the back last year as United kept a fantastic defensive record throughout the season, so why he still isn't being utilised in that position is a mystery. Eric Bailly has yet to prove his worth and while away for the Africa Cup of Nations, he is little use to Mourinho.

Rumours of a move for Real Madrid and Portugal star Pepe have circulated.

Full-back

We could easily say that United need to replace Antonio Valencia, but once again the Ecuador international has proven everyone wrong and has done the business for Mourinho's side. The other flank is home to a different situation altogether, however.

Luke Shaw is destined to be forever injured and Matteo Darmian - albeit a good player - just does not suit United or Mourinho's system. Finding a new left full-back is a must.

Centre-midfield

Having spent £89 million on Paul Pogba in the summer, you could be forgiven for wondering why on earth United would want to spend more money in the same position. The Frenchman's season has been hit-and-miss so far, however he will prove to be the man United signed given time, but it is those that sit behind him, or occasionally alongside him that pose the problem.

Ander Herrera has been fantastic, but why United fans cling to the myth that Michael Carrick is still a world class midfielder is absurd. The Red Devils need an enforcer in the middle to balance against the creative abilities of Pogba and Herrera.

Both Lassana Diarra and Tiemoue Bakayoko fit the bill and have been linked with winter moves to the FA Cup holders.