Grant James

WITH the January window fast approaching, clubs have an opportunity to reassess where their seasons are headed, and decide whether to improve the squad, or maintain the Status quo. It's often been said by Sir Alex Ferguson that there is "no value" in the January market, as players' values soar, and the best ones are invariably cup tied. Whilst that rings true,  it is also true that if you look hard enough, there are plenty of bargains to be had. Let's take a look at the state of United's squad, and where Fergie might look to strengthen.

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REMEMBER Claudio Ranieri? He was an Italian manager who liked to change tactics on a weekly basis. Some weeks he would use a back three with wingbacks and two strikers, the next if would be 442, then he would use a back three with wingbacks and wide forwards either side of a single striker. He would also make changes several times within games, and to his starting lineups. For this, the British press dubbed him “The Tinker Man”. Is Roberto Mancini headed in the same direction?

MARK Hughes likes a good leader in his sides. Someone who can defend well, and have a multiplier effect on those around him. Someone to lead by example by blocking a shot, or simply to talk team mates through situations. When to stay on their feet, when to foul, when not to foul, and so forth. It’s the reason John Terry was his number one target when he was City manager, and why QPR made bids last January for Alex and Chris Samba, both aerially and physically dominant players. It’s the reason why QPR targeted Michael Dawson this summer, agreeing a fee but not personal terms with the Tottenham captain. None of these deals materialised and the club were left rudderless.