MDP Live - Manchester United or MU still seems to have failed to solve all the club's problems despite signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane during the summer.
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was forced to pay a high price to fix the squad, especially in the midfield sector.
Scott McTominay and Fred are the regular midfield pair the Norwegian coach has played with, and that has continued under new interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
So far, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, whose contract expires at the end of the season, and Donny van de Beek are other positions to play in midfield. However, Solskjaer wants to increase those options in the summer.
MU plans to sign a midfielder ahead of this season. And now the club appear to have learned from past experience, and they are willing to financially support Rangnick, who is looking to add a high-quality defensive midfielder to his line-up next month. Here are three potential targets that can be targeted by MU.
Rangnick is reportedly interested in a reunion with RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara, whom he signed while still on the touchline at the club.
The 23-year-old is highly rated by the new United boss for how well he can break up games and protect the back line. It's no surprise that he seems to fit the bill at Old Trafford as well.
Haidara has previously spoken publicly about his desire to one day play for the Red Devils. Although there has been interest from Newcastle during this summer.
The Malian isn't going to cost too much because of his £33m release clause, and has learned well what Rangnick needs from his No.6.
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips proved that England manager Gareth Southgate was right to make him a central part of his plans for Euro 2020.
Phillips is one of the best defensive midfielders in the league, and with Marcelo Bielsa's side slipping to the bottom of the table, now could be the perfect opportunity for United to make their interest in the 26-year-old.
The Leeds academy graduate is best placed as a defensive midfielder but he can also be versatile, possessing the passing range and dribbling ability to be present in the final third if needed. But, he is also capable of playing as a back three when needed as well.
United have been linked with Phillips over the course of the season although it is believed it would cost a fortune to pull the Englishman away from Elland Road.
If United are looking for a midfielder in the Premier League who can press with intensity and make himself a real distraction to opponents, they will look no further than Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Frenchman has been one of the Toffees' stars so far this season. Doucoure is a tall and strong midfielder who, when trained to know his role, is not short on energy.
Speaking after Everton's 1-1 draw with United earlier this season, former Premier League star Tony Cascarino said: "Look at United's midfield and you think, that's what they shout, Doucoure type midfielder.
It remains to be seen whether Rangnick takes a cue from Cascarino, or whether he wants to sign a more famous player who is ready to develop under his successor.
