Although Manchester United are starting to look like title challengers under Louis van Gaal again, the Dutchman and his scouting team will never stop looking for ways to improve the team.

With the emergence of a number of young prospects making the step up from the Football League to the top flight, Premier League sides are seemingly keeping a close eye on some of the best players in the second tier and below.

The Championship has an abundancet of talent on show and it would be no surprise if some of the big English clubs like United come knocking.

Some have argued that Van Gaal's side could still do with some defensive improvement as much of the money that he has spent in his two seasons with the club and he could do a lot worse than scout the Championship for some reinforcements.

Here are FIVE Championship defenders that Manchester United should sign in January.....

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

van gaal222222

[/ffc-gallery]

 

Andrew Robertson

Andrew Robertson

With Luke Shaw's injury leaving United short of options at left-back, adding a left-sided defender will be high on Louis van Gaal's shopping list for the January transfer window.

Should he decide to look in the Championship for a left-back then Hull's Andrew Robertson would be a terrific option, after impressing since his move from Dundee United last summer.

Robertson would fit in perfectly with Van Gaal's system as he has the ability to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes with great impact.

Morgan Fox

Morgan Fox

Another left-back that could come in and give Van Gaal a very good option at left-back, and it's not a surprise that he has already been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Far from the finished article, the 22-year old could have a big future in the game if he is allowed to develop and prove his worth.

The Welshman signed a new contract with the club and that could make a move more difficult, but the prospect of playing at the Theatre of Dreams and working with world class players could be too good to turn down.

Michael Keane

keane762

A former Manchester United player, it was a bit of a shock when they allowed him to leave on a permanent transfer after he had impressed in a number of loan spells.

Since joining Sean Dyche's side, the former England under-21 international has established himself as one of the best central defenders in the Championship and he could certainly do a job in the top flight.

He'll still know some of the players and coaches at the football club and if Van Gaal decides that he needs a new centre-back, then the 22-year old could be a good option.

 

Dominic Iorfa

iorfa

Iorfa is one of the most promising defenders outside of the Premier League and his versatility is something that is a huge benefit to Wolves manager Kenny Jackett.

Predominantly a right-back, Iorfa could be a long-term option for Louis van Gaal's side and would give some competition to Matteo Darmian.

He has impressed in his 17 appearances this season and at just 20-years old, he could go a long way in the game and he would be a wise addition for United.

Moses Odubajo

Moses Odubajo

The Nigerian international established himself as a top right winger in his Leyton Orient days but when he moved to Brentford, he showed that he is also perfectly capable of playing at right-back.

He joined recently relegated Hull City after just a year with the Bees, and he has established himself as Hull's regular right-back, as well as being a threat going forward.

Like his Tigers' team mate Robertson, his attacking capabilities as well as strength in defence mean that he would be a perfect fit into Louis van Gaal's system.