Louis van Gaal still has faith in his Manchester United side catching up with Premier League leaders Chelsea.

But after coming away from the Manchester derby with a 1-0 defeat yesterday afternoon, even Champions League qualification could be a push for the Red Devils this season.

Luckily, the January window is looming closer, giving LvG the perfect opportunity to add some reinforcements that can improve his side’s chances of making it into the Premier League’s top four.

And just in case he’s short on a few ideas, we at Football FanCast have listed FIVE.

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BENEDIKT HOWEDES

With Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo injured, in addition to Chris Smalling seeing red against Manchester City at the weekend, a lack of depth in defence looks set to continue plaguing Manchester United between now and January.

Thus, finding an imposing and assertive defensive leader to bring organisation and experience to the Red Devils’ chaotic backline will surely be Louis van Gaal’s first port of call in the new year – recent speculation suggests he’s already got one eye on Schalke skipper Benedikt Howedes:

The 26 year-old has always come highly rated from those inside and outside of the Bundesliga, but World Cup performances as an ever-present member of Germany’s defence proved his capability to play at an even higher level.

Indeed, despite measuring in at around 6 foot 3 and by no means famed for his agility, the 26 year-old demonstrated his intelligence, versatility and impressive understanding of the game as Germany’s left-back. Here’s a clip of Howedes in action for Die Mannschaft:

//www.youtube.com/embed/DE4LYksdMEA?rel=0

And a look at the towering defender’s stats over the last few seasons:

A natural leader capable of playing anywhere in defence, Howedes would be a huge asset for any squad – but especially Manchester United’s.

Goal.com claim United scouts have been running the rule over the German international in recent weeks and also believe Schalke rate their captain at around £14million.

More than affordable for the free-spending Red Devils, but with Howedes’ contract not set to expire until 2017, that seems like a rather optimistic valuation.

WINSTON REID

A slightly cheaper option, sourced a little closer to home, comes in the form of West Ham’s Winston Reid.

The New Zealand skipper may not be the most talented defender to ever grace Old Trafford, but he’s demonstrated a remarkable consistency since the East Londoners returned to the top flight in 2012, winning the Hammer of the Year award twelve months later. Here’s a look at Reid’s vitals over the last few seasons:

A master of the nuts and bolts of the trade, Reid’s simple-yet-effective style and experience in the Premier League could provide intrinsic balance to United’s disorganised, forward-thinking backline. Here’s a look at the 6 foot 3 centre-back in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/vhYZjrgfBsA?rel=0

Furthermore, the 26 year-old looks set to be on the move in January, after recently revealing he’s in ‘no hurry’ to extend his Upton Park contract past the end of the season:

That could force the Hammers to sell for a nominal fee, but it appears a number of other Premier League sides are already preparing January bids:

SAMI KHEDIRA

Another German international known to be on the Old Trafford radar is Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira:

Despite improved performances from Marouane Fellaini in recent weeks, the Red Devils are still struggling for quality and depth in the middle of the park.

Van Gaal targeted Kevin Strootman and Arturo Vidal during the summer and the 27 year-old is a likeminded alternative, sharing the Serie A duo’s gut-busting, box-to-box style. Just take a look at his heat-map from Germany’s 7-1 romping of Brazil in the World Cup semi-final:

Indeed, a World Cup and Champions League winner, there’s no doubting Khedira’s quality, whilst the power and aerial dominance of his 6 foot 2 frame would compliment United’s attacking talents perfectly. Here’s a clip of the midfielder in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/RetIjHKY6pA?rel=0

Furthermore, his Bernabeu contract is up at the end of the season and with a new deal looking increasingly unlikely, Khedira’s set for a January departure. The Daily Mail claim he could be available for as little as £10million but the Red Devils are by no means his only Premier League suitors:

JUAN CUADRADO

Adding further names to Manchester United’s impressive attacking cast won’t be too high on Louis van Gaal’s agenda come January, but if there’s one notable gap that needs to be filled it’s undoubtedly on the right-hand side of midfield.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado was linked with an Old Trafford switch during the summer, and although he’s just penned new terms with the Serie A side, it’s believed his contract includes a £27million release clause:

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The 26 year-old wreaked havoc in the Italian top flight last season and also brought his form to the World Cup:

In fact, nobody bettered the Colombian international’s four assists at Brazil 2014.

Famed for his industry, pace and netting prowess, this goal typifies Cuadrado’s game:

//www.youtube.com/embed/DUlRxcSaxZo

He’s also incredibly versatile, as shown below, and would plug a number of gaps in Manchester United’s squad:

The South American’s pace and mobility could prove vital in a Red Devils side that’s lacked penetration and genuine threat in-behind this season, but Chelsea have also been linked to Cuadrado in recent weeks:

MARCO REUS

The European elite appear to be waiting until next summer to instigate a feisty war over the services of Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus, when his outrageously cheap £20million release clause comes into effect.

But following news that the German international has now ended contract talks at Westfalen, with the Black-Yellows currently second-bottom of the Bundesliga table, the Red Devils would be wise to try and beat the pack with a slightly more lucrative offer in January.

The 25 year-old dominated the Bundesliga’s attacking charts last season, as shown below, earning him the division’s Player of the Year award for the second time in three years:

His technical qualities are second to none, but they’re underpinned by an electric pace that would add a whole new dimension to United’s attack. Here’s a look at Reus in action:

//www.youtube.com/embed/rlYrndbblKk?rel=0

United boast one of the most impressive forward casts in world football, but capable of adopting virtually any role in the final third, van Gaal won’t struggle to find room for the Bundesliga star.

Reus’ form this season has been as impressive as the last:

But a January swoop from the Red Devils will undoubtedly convince others to follow suit – even Bayern Munich are planning a bid for the Dortmund star:

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