5 defenders Manchester United should consider buying in January

Manchester United have had a disappointing season so far mainly due to their defensive frailties. New summer signings in defence Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo have been decent so far, but those who were already at the club haven’t impressed under Louis van Gaal. The likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Rafael have had a below par season until now as their mistakes have cost United dearly.The Red Devils lie seventh in the league and have conceded 14 goals in 11 games. They even conceded four goals against League 2 side MK Dons in the League Cup not so long ago. Injuries too have taken their toll which means that Van Gaal might be forced to spend in January.That being said, here are five defenders Manchester United should consider buying in the winter transfer window. 

#1 Ron Vlaar - Aston Villa

Vlaar is a player that Louis van Gaal knows everything about as both of them worked together in the Dutch national team.

The Aston Villa man was a key figure in Van Gaals defence and put in some impressive displays against the likes of Spain and Mexico at the World Cup. Since then, his stock has risen and he could move elsewhere in January as his contract is set to expire in the summer.

Villa manager Paul Lambert did a near impossible job of keeping the Dutchman at the club but will be forced to sell the club captain in January ifVlaarstalls over a new contract. The 29-year-old has been impressive since arriving from Feyenoord in 2012 for a fee of 3.2m and was a shining light in a poor Villa team.

Villa will mostly have to sell him for a cut-price deal in January; and it could be as less as 5m.