Sir Alex will feel he’s had his fill of bad luck this season. Not only has half of his squad gone down injured (while the main contenders stay largely fit) but United have subsequently gone out of the Champions League before Christmas.
Fergie is usually loath to consider signings in the winter window but, with the latest news that Darren Fletcher will be taking an extended break from the game due to bowel problems, surely he will reassess this time around. In Vidic, United have also lost their captain and primary defender so the Scot may decide to strengthen his defence as well as the midfield.
Wanting players and getting them are altogether different matters however. It’s hard enough to get value for money in the summer months but, with the sorts of players that Fergie wants probably playing in The Champions League, he would have to be particualrly persuasive to get his man, or men over the winter. So who might he consider?
Jack Rodwell
He isn’t cup-tied and would surely jump at a move to United. He is young, athletic and fleet of foot – the sort of player that United perhaps lack at the moment. £16-20M would secure his signature. But does he have the sort of quality that Fergie is looking for? Would he improve the first XI?
Wesley Sneijder
We know all about him and I certainly don’t want to add to the media circus about Sneijder to United, which has been running for what seems like an eternity. He is a top player but would require a huge investment – one that United weren’t prepared to meet in the summer.
Luka Modric
A top tier signing who would almost certainly make a difference to the team. He’s the sort of wizard that United have patently lacked since Paul Scholes was in his pomp. Would be very difficult to sign but would command smaller wages than Sneijder.
Frank Lampard
He’s a bit annoyed by his exclusion from the current first team at Chelsea. United could certainly use his services but would Lampard be prepared to leave for a big domestic rival? He wouldn’t make any friends at Chelsea but he might fancy a final flutter at a new club.
Nicolas Gaitan
A very exciting prospect at Benfica and has been touted as a United target. More of a wide player at the moment however – an area where United are still pretty healthy.
