Solskjaer's potential Man Utd line-up after 3 transfers in January

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is enduring his most difficult period as Manchester United manager.

The Red Devils are nine points adrift of the Premier League leaders in mid-November, rivals Liverpool and Manchester City have come to Old Trafford and embarrassed them in recent weeks, and the festive period looks a particularly frosty one.

But hope could be on the horizon with the January transfer window around the corner.

Just as Solskjaer's first full season was stuttering two years ago, Bruno Fernandes was signed and the 20-time English champions were revitalised, proving how profitable winter recruitment can be.

With that in mind, here's how the Red Devils could line-up after three January signings.

Join the debate: Should Man Utd trust Solskjaer in the January transfer window? Get involved here.

Jules Kounde

Despite the signing for Raphael Varane in July, United's defence looks significantly weaker than it did last term.

Captain Harry Maguire has struggled to recapture his form shown for England in the European Championships, while Varane has suffered a string of injury issues.

To weather the storm, Solskjaer could turn to an old target: Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

The centre-back, chased by Chelsea in the summer, continues to be linked with the Red Devils and his club president, Jose Castro Carmona, has explained just how Ed Woodward and co can swoop for the 23-year-old.

"We're not going to change our position," Castro affirmed to Cope, via football.london.

"If the proposal we receive is out of market, we will sell our players to sign new ones."

Kounde himself recently revealed on how he was impacted by not getting a move in the summer, too, hinting that he is ready to pack his bags in southern Spain.

"Did it affect me?" he told the French media. "Yes, a little bit, but now I've dealt with it."

Pacey, agile and strong in the air for his relatively diminutive size, the France international could be perfect foil to Maguire if Varane remains prone to injuries or simply partner his compatriot.

Marcelo Brozovic

Long linked with a move to Old Trafford since the days of Jose Mourinho, Brozovic seems closer than ever to leaving Inter Milan.

The Croatian is out of contract at the San Siro next June, which could mean the Italian champions decide to sell-up in January in order to recoup some cash for the 29-year-old.

The best part for United fans? He's a defensive midfielder.

Although primarily focused on deep build-up play, Brozovic can anchor a midfield pivot as shown for club and country.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter want their man to make a decision by the time the January transfer window comes around.

With the potential to be a calming presence in the Red Devils' hectic middle third, Brozovic could be a savvy bit of business from Solskjaer.

Aurelien Tchouameni

Finally, United may want to future-proof their midfield and solve their issues once and for all.

21-year-old Monaco prodigy Tchouameni has risen to prominence in his native France since breaking through at Bordeaux in 2018.

Now an established international, where he has formed a solid partnership with the currently injured Paul Pogba, the technically-gifted yet grafting starlet has Europe's elite on red alert for when he becomes available.

City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Real Madrid have all been tagged with interest, as Monaco's asking price of £51.2million circulates around the higher echelons of European football.

Read more: Tchouameni subject of dressing room joke amid Man Utd transfer interest

Scout report: How Tchouameni fared for Monaco in front of Man Utd chiefs

Of course, the Old Trafford hierarchy already allowed Solskjaer to splash the cash just a few months ago, bringing in Varane, Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

And to add to the equation, Woodward is set to step down from his eight-year role as executive vice-chairman in the coming weeks, but reports suggest he'll be staying within the building as an advisor.

In terms of affairs on the pitch, the Red Devils travel to Watford on Saturday in their return to action after the international break.

That game kicks off a tough run of fixtures for United, with away games against Villarreal and Chelsea to follow, before welcoming Arsenal.

What should Man Utd do in January? Vote below...

However, Christmas time is usually an enjoyable few weeks for the Old Trafford faithful and their deep squad is often utilised to deal with the busy schedule.

If Solskjaer can go far in the Champions League and stabilise his side's league form, 2022 could prove to be a light at the end of what is currently a very dark tunnel.

Potential Man Utd starting XI after January: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Kounde, Varane, Shaw; Brozovic, Tchouameni; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo