For Manchester United, it would be hard to spin the news that Darren Fletcher will be out for an extended period as he tries to overcome a bowel condition as positive in any way, shape or form. The loss of Fletcher means that Manchester United are now woefully short in the middle of the park, an area many had already isolated as one in most desperate need of reinforcements. Though a big blow loss from their squad, could the loss of Fletcher prove the catalyst for Sir Alex to finally address the problem United face in central midfield positions?

It is a rather grim situation, but one that, for now, Sir Alex is salvaging with the many versatile players his squad boasts. Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs may be the only fit recognized central midfielders in the squad, but Sir Alex has been given a bit of breathing space by the performances of Phil Jones in central midfield, whilst Park Ji-Sung and Wayne Rooney also provide viable short term plug options.

With fixtures coming thick and fast though, Manchester United need more than quick fixes.

The January transfer window offers an opportunity to bring in reinforcements, and the ridiculous amount of injuries United have suffered in the middle of the park, which for the most part are mainly long term, may just force Fergie’s hand. January may not be the opportune time to be trying to buy key players, but with only two central midfielders fit, one of which is well on the wrong side of 35, Sir Alex must at the very least be tempted to dip into the market, no matter how bullish he may be on the subject when asked by the press.

Rumours from Argentina this week suggest that Manchester United have tabled a €30 million bid for Nicolas Gaitan, one of the players who impressed against Sir Alex’s men in two matches between the clubs in this season’s doomed Champions League group stage run. Whether or not bringing an Argentinian to England in January, with no time to settle in and gel in a position where a synthesis with the surrounding players is most important, is the wisest move is one up for debate, but it could be a debate to be had if Sir Alex’s interest in the player, or any other player for that matter turns out to be serious.

Alternatively, Sir Alex has the option of promoting from within. Already this season, the Old Trafford faithful have had a glimpse of a couple of the exciting talents rising through the ranks at Old Trafford in Paul Pogba, who is currently haggling with the club for more money, and Ravel Morrison, United’s highly talented but troubled boy wonder.

The consensus seems to be that neither is ready for week in, week out football in the Premier League, particularly when the expectations are as high as they are at Old Trafford, but just offering an option at this moment in time could very well lead to bigger and better things for either of these two players.

What is clear though, is that with so few options and so many games to come over the next two months, Sir Alex is going to have to take action. He cannot simply assume that Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs will be fit enough to partake in every fixture between now and the return of Anderson and Cleverley. The return of the latter is shrouded in mystery (physioroom.com lists his expected date of return as the 31st of December), but if he can return before the start of the transfer window then Sir Alex will probably refrain from going into the market, unless he feels that this injury crisis is enough evidence that more cover is required.

Whatever course of action Sir Alex takes, it could very well define the rest of the season for the red half of Manchester. With everyone fit, this is not a bad United squad. It’s not a great one either, but it’s certainly not a bad one. Unfortunately, it is easier to count those that are fit, than those who aren’t, particularly in the middle of the park.

Champions are defined by their reaction to adversity however, and for the Champions of England, this season will squarely come down to how Sir Alex and his charges react to the injury and form problems they face now. The loss of Darren Fletcher is a big one, but it could just be the moment that forces that reaction.