Manchester United 'monitoring' two Bayern Munich stars as January transfer path emerges

Manchester United have been linked with holding interest in Bayern Munich duo, Leroy Sane and Leon Goretzka, and could even make an approach for latter in January.

The Manchester Evening News understands United are looking to bring in a winger, a defender and a midfielder in the next two windows. The central spine of the team has been scrutinised amid the club's poor start to the season.

Summer recruit Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez were dropped for the trip to Aston Villa - before October's international break - while United's attack has failed to score in three Premier League outings.

READ MORE: Omar Berrada sent Sir Alex Ferguson warning about Man United axe last month

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes and Man United players told to 'stop hiding behind Erik ten Hag'

As for their midfield, meanwhile, deadline day signing Manuel Ugarte has not played in United's last two matches with Erik ten Hag choosing to instead play Casemiro, who the Uruguayan is hoped to eventually usurp, or Christian Eriksen, who faces an uncertain future himself.

Kobbie Mainoo has often played alongside the covering midfielder, but has at times been left exposed. Some feel that United need more options to protect their defence.

Sky Germany states that United might look for a new defensive midfielder in January and could, in turn, set sights on Goretzka, who has barely played 15 minutes under Vincent Kompany so far this season. He has played just three minutes in the Bundesliga.

However, despite a current lack of game-time, it's said that the Germany regular wishes to stay at Bayern beyond January. His contract does not expire until 2026. Meanwhile, Sane sees his deal end this summer, but is also said to be in talks with his employers over a