Manchester United prepare January move for Benfica striker Goncalo Guedes

Manchester United are preparing a move for Benfica striker Goncalo Guedes in January as an alternative to Anthony Martial, who has failed to carry on his good form since taking the league by storm when he first came to Old Trafford on deadline day. Martial's goal against Norwich City in a losing cause was his first in the league in over two months, when he scored a brace against Southampton in September.

Italian news outlet Calciomercato reports that United have made the striker their top priority for January, as they look to address the lack of goals up front. Guedes has scored three goals so far in 12 appearances and would be a solid addition to the United frontline. The Red Devils have not won in any of their last six games in all competitions and are currently nine points adrift of Leicester City in the top spot.

Their latest loss to Norwich City is also their second in the league in consecutive games, with the last also coming against newly promoted Bournemouth last weekend. Wayne Rooney's return failed to inspire the 20- time English champions as Louis van Gaal's future hangs by a thread after their latest performance, coupled with their eviction from the group stages of the Champions League.

The Dutchman revealed in an interview before the game that he was wary of getting the sack, which would be a major setback after the years he has spent managing teams such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He would be the second manager who had failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, with David Moyes being the first to be given the marching orders after he was unable to lead the Red Devils to a top-four finish.

The Red Devils have a couple of important games coming up in the festive period against Stoke City at the Britannia and a rejuvenated Chelsea, who are firing again after Jose Mourinho was given the sack following a disastrous season at the helm.