Manchester United have reportedly identified Atletico Madrid defender Jose Gimenez as a potential January transfer target.

The Red Devils went into the season feeling optimistic that they had sufficiently strengthened their first-team squad to remain in the top four of the Premier League standings.

Instead, Erik ten Hag has witnessed his side lose to Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion during their opening five matches, as well as requiring good fortune to see off Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

United are now preparing to try to kick-start their campaign with a Champions League encounter at Bayern Munich, with the perception being that Ten Hag needs to get his team back on track sooner rather than later.

Nevertheless, United have already conceded 10 goals on the domestic scene during 2023-24 and look short of long-term options in the middle of the backline.

Of their current five centre-backs, only Lisandro Martinez - at the age of 25 - is below 29, while the future of Harry Maguire has constantly been up for debate having fallen down the pecking order.

With the England international remaining at the Theatre of Dreams, Ten Hag only acquired the services of veteran Jonny Evans on a short-term deal in the summer to act as backup.

According to Fichajes, Gimenez has emerged as a name on United's radar ahead of the next transfer window.

Gimenez has established himself as an Atletico legend over the past decade, making 286 appearances in all competitions and winning two La Liga titles.

However, with less than two years remaining on his contract, it is unclear whether the Uruguay international will remain at Wanda Metropolitano or look to take on a new challenge.

He did not make his first Atletico appearance of the season until the weekend, returning from a knee injury to feature for the final 29 minutes of a 3-0 defeat at Valencia.

When fit, Gimenez is regarded as first choice by Diego Simeone, yet it is unclear how Atletico would handle a big-money offer for a player who turns 29 at the beginning of next year.

United are also in a position financially where they may be against breaking the bank for a player who would have minimal resale value, yet Gimenez could theoretically represent a cheaper alternative when the struggling English side may want to strengthen in other areas. body check tags ::