Manchester United looked to be on the brink declaring they were in crisis just over a fortnight ago.

But four matches and as many wins later, Jose Mourinho and the Red Devils can be somewhat content with the manner in which they’ve negotiated the often tricky festive period.

Speaking of negotiating, United are expected to be busy during the January the transfer window, whether it be offloading some of the deadwood or adding a new face or two their squad.

While it’s unlikely the Old Trafford hierarchy would allow another blockbuster signing, a less expensive approach could still provide Mourinho with what he needs for the second half of the campaign.

With that said, it seems the club has already made serious headway in snapping up one of the most highly-rated young players in Europe.

The Mirror reports United scouts have been watching Benfica defender Victor Lindelof for months and have seen enough to offer £34 million in exchange for his services.

The proposed deal is also thought to include various success-related bonuses in a bid to entice the 22-year-old away from the Estadio da Luz with his reported £30 million buy-out only able to triggered next summer.

Benfica are sure to demand suitable financial compensation to let him go, but United are convinced the centre-back has no qualms about leaving for a bigger European league midway through the campaign.

The report also suggests Mourinho has asked Ed Woodward to prioritise securing this deal as he seeks to bolster his defensive options and begin climbing back up the Premier League table in the new year.

The Red Devils’ 2-1 victory over West Brom at The Hawthorns on Saturday has closed the gap between them and second-placed Liverpool to just four points.

However, with every team above them excluding Chelsea yet to play this weekend, the sixth-placed side could still have their work cut out to establish themselves as genuine top-four contenders.

United next face Sunderland at home on Boxing Day before closing out 2016 with a visit from Middlesborough.