David Moyes
Moyes will reportedly have £200m to spend.

Manchester United manager David Moyes has been handed a significant vote of confidence by the Old Trafford hierarchy with the news the Scot will be entrusted with £200m to oversee an overhaul of the club's current squad.

Defeat to Swansea City was the club's fifth home defeat of the season and despite being handed a six-year contract in the summer after replacing Sir Alex Ferguson, some United fans were calling for Moyes' position to be considered.

United are currently 11 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal and five behind the Champions League places less than a year after finishing 11 points clear at the top last season.

Following a disastrous summer transfer window during which Moyes missed out on a host of high-profile targets and secured just one significant addition in the form of Marouane Fellaini, reports suggest the manager will be given £200m to ensure United's slump is only temporary.

Moyes is understood to be targeting a new centre back, left back, two central midfielders and a forward over the next 18 months. With the likes of Gareth Bale having fallen through his fingers, where should the United boss look next?

IBTimes UK contemplates Moyes' future transfer business.

Centre back

With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic no closer to new contracts and Phil Jones and Chris Smalling having yet to convince, Moyes requires a new backbone to lead his dynasty at the Theatre of Dreams.

Contenders: Eliaquim Managala (FC Porto), Stefano Denswil (Ajax), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan)

Reality: The powerful Mangala has been linked with a move to United for some months but is among a number of targets who could prove to be hit or miss at Old Trafford. Mats Hummels is the most high profile of those but the attention of Barcelona, not least Dortmund's unwillingness to part with another star name, makes his move look unlikely.

Left-back

With Patrice Evra's best form behind him, Alexander Buttner not ready to take on the role full-time and Fabio unfancied, Moyes is seeking to add a new left back to his shaky defence.

Contenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Alex Sandro (FC Porto), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid)

Reality: Having had two bids rejected for Baines Moyes has made no secret over his desire to sign the Toffees full back and will surely launch a third bid for the England defender in January. Shaw remains one of the hottest properties in the Premier League but a new five-year deal signed in the summer means he is likely to remain on the south coast. Porto's exit from the Champions League makes Sandro a realistic signing but Moyes might opt for experience.

Central Midfield

The perennial problem position for United. Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick's best days are behind them, Marouane Fellaini has struggled for form, Tom Cleverley is rarely trusted with a central role while Darren Fletcher's fitness can't be relied upon.

Contenders: Ravel Morrison (West Ham United), Ander Herrera (Atlhletic Bilbao), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Ilkay Gundogan (Borussia Dortmund)

Reality: After failing with a deadline day move for Herrera Moyes is almost certain to move again for the Spanish Under-23 international. With the focus on improving the club's creavtive ranks, Sneijder has once again been mentioned as a potential target, with his age a significant drawback. A move for Ravel Morrison appears farfetched at this current time.

Centre Forward

Having won of six of the eight games in which Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney have started together, United are crying out for a dependable forward to replace the injury prone duo.

Contenders: Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)

Reality: Gone are the days when United were linked with the highest-profile players from across Europe; Moyes can't be picky with choosing a new striker. Atletico's Costa is the top scorer in La Liga and is among the continent's in form players while Marco Reus would provide goals and creativity in equal measure. Both are as unavailable as the next. Mandzukic looks set to leave Bayern after Robert Lewandowski's arrival but doesn't represent star quality.