Manchester United are having to endure a long and painful international break as they sit just two points above the relegation zone.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have started the 2019/20 campaign terribly, picking up just nine points from their opening eight games.

They’ve scored seven goals in their last 10 matches in all competitions and haven’t won an away match since March.

They’re in trouble.

Despite spending almost £150 million in the summer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Red Devils dip into the transfer market come January.

After all, they’ve got a relegation battle on their hands…

But it looks as though they’re close to making their first signing - Mario Mandzukic.

That’s because, according to the Daily Express, United have ‘reached a verbal agreement’ with the Juventus striker.

The report goes on to state that they will have to spend £10 million for the Croat to arrive in January.

United tried signing the 33-year-old in the summer but failed in their attempts.

However, Juve boss Maurizio Sarri has told Mandzukic that he doesn’t feature in his plans this season and is free to leave the club.

He’s already turned down a lucrative move to Qatar and has been offered a chance to play for LAFC in the MLS.

But Mandzukic feels he can still play at the highest level.

United are in desperate need of more attacking options after failing to replace Romelu Lukaku.

Anthony Martial has struggled with injury problems, while Marcus Rashford has scored just one goal from open play in 18 matches.

Last month, Solskjaer admitted that the club tried to replace the outgoing Lukaku but just couldn't.

“There were strikers but they weren’t the ones we wanted. If we had the right one, we would have," he said.

“It was time for Romelu to go. He knows that. He didn’t want to be here. What is the point in having players that don’t want to be here?