Manchester United favourite Dimitar Berbatov has urged the Red Devils’ hierarchy to listen to Jose Mourinho’s transfer demands at the turn of the year. The Mancunian giants have made an uncharacteristic start to the season with just 20 points from their opening 12 matches and the run already sees them 12 points behind table-toppers Manchester City.

In a report covered by The Mirror, Berbatov admitted that United are not in the best of position at the moment but they should still back the Portuguese head coach when the transfer window reopens. He added that the central defence remains the position of concern and the board ought to pursue at least one recruit in the New Year, though it certainly won’t be easy.

He said: “They need to reinforce at the back especially centre-backs, one or two. In every other position they have several quality players and everything they need, so just defence needs reinforcing. Hopefully they can find one or two and then they should be okay. It’ll be more difficult in the winter transfer window then the summer one to make signings for Mourinho but he should be able to find one person he wants to bring in. So if there is someone he wants to bring in the board should listen to him because it’s obvious that the club aren’t perfect right now and aren’t in the position that they want to be in.”

United have already been linked with a number of high-profile defenders this month and they are recently said to have an £80m bid for Kalidou Koulibaly, which has been swiftly turned down by Napoli. Nonetheless, their pursuit to strengthen the heart of the backline is due to continue but it remains unclear where they can land their preferred target midway through a campaign where most sides are generally reluctant to sell.

United recently witnessed a three-match winning run cease after they suffered a 3-1 derby defeat at the hands of Manchester City. The result sees them stay put in the eighth position and they are currently seven points behind the final Champions League spot.