David Moyes is in need of support.

The former Everton manager appears unable to gather momentum in his inaugural season at Manchester United. As soon as his new squad finds a certain level of consistency, they immediately stutter to defeat.

United have collected just five points from a possible 24 against the Premier League's top eight and need reinforcements to amend their season.

After the shambles of last summer's transfer window, here's a look at a few names that could help coax form from an ailing squad.

Luke Shaw

Left-back is clearly a primary area of concern. The Red Devils' pursuit of Leighton Baines is well documented, per The Mirror, as is their admiration for Fabio Coentrao, via The Independent.

In truth, neither player is the answer. Manchester United are building a new team, and Southampton's Luke Shaw can be a foundation of the lineup for years to come.

A move for the left-back has already been mooted by several sources, including The Telegraph's Mark Ogden.

He possesses all the attacking qualities cherished at United: full of energy, passion and exuberance, and—most importantly—he is brimming with potential.

Shaw would be worth the extra investment now, with his price only likely to rocket in the future.

Claudio Marchisio

Midfield is another area in need of a transformation. Marouane Fellaini may eventually provide the answer, but right now, United's core is overrun far too often by average opponents.

A potential solution for this would be Juventus' Claudio Marchisio.

At 27, the Italian has often found himself phased out of Antonio Conte's lineup, starting just 10 of Juventus' 18 games in Serie A.

The Italian was linked with a move to Old Trafford in Italy, via Ben Jefferson of The Express.

He would add a layer of physicality to the heart of midfield while bringing guile to augment the creative stakes.

Ander Herrera

Finally, United could do with some extra pizzazz in the final third.

Adnan Januzaj and Antonio Valencia have actually been two of United's better performers, but Ander Herrera would provide an instant lift to United's attack.

The Athletic Bilbao man has been linked with United since the summer and would help bring an element of unpredictability to the Red Devils' game.

Whether these three players can be acquired this January or not, United's squad is in need of surgery to evolve.

It took David Moyes two full years to acquire his chosen personnel and get them playing in his style at Everton, finishing 17th in his second season.

Without taking action in January, this season will fizzle out into unfamiliar mediocrity.