After missing out on Arturo Vidal over the summer, Manchester United are almost certain to dip their toes back into the transfer market in January to solve the issues facing Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman’s side’s midfield appears to be weak in comparison to the club’s rivals’ efforts, with a lack or energy and guile worrying for a side with top four ambitions.

Fredy Guarin is the latest name to be aligned with Old Trafford in the gossip columns, with Inter Milan rumoured to be ready to sell their man at a discounted fee. So, would the deal make sense for United? We think so, and here are FIVE reasons why.

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CLICK ON THE MAN HIMSELF TO REVEAL THE FIVE

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No energy in midfield

The one major criticism levelled at Manchester United over the course of the past year and a bit has been the lack of any sort of presence in midfield. Although the Red Devils’ porous defence has grabbed headlines for the wrong reasons, the absence of energy in front of them has often left them completely exposed to quick counter attacks.

Guarin is a player with bags of oomph, and could be the man to inject some much-needed life into Louis van Gaal’s engine room.

Blind is not a holding midfielder

Although a decent passer of the ball and a player with obvious composure, Blind is not a holding midfielder. The Dutchman emerged in the position last season at Ajax after being moved centrally from his left-back role, but impressive displays in Holland don’t always transfer across the North Sea to England. Blind would perhaps be more useful back in his natural position or in a similar role to Ander Herrera, where his range of passing could be used more effectively without the pressure of shielding his defenders.

He can score!

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Even though United have bucket loads of attacking potential from the likes of Angel di Maria, Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie, more goals from a deeper position would be useful. As the video above shows, Guarin is pretty handy in front of the oppositions’ net, with his composure and power useful traits.

Cheaper than Vidal or Strootman

While money is seemingly no issue for United right now, United could, perhaps, do with a cut-price option to free up funds for the pursuit of a genuine top class centre-back. Talk over the summer suggested that Chelsea had all but agreed a £12.5m deal for the Colombian, with such a figure a bargain for a player of Guarin’s experience and quality.

Man United cannot afford to be tardy

Simply put, if United want to secure a Champions League return, failings in the transfer market cannot be repeated. The Red Devils’ late deals for Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao had a whiff of desperation about them, with the pair having not been linked with the club for much of the summer. As other targets moved elsewhere or ruled out move, the duo became the focus for United.

So, getting in a player early in January to solve a problem area makes sense, right? Yes.