Ralf Rangnick’s one and only transfer window as Manchester United manager has surprisingly been centred on the Reds’ outgoings, rather than their in-comings.
Reports proceeding his appointment at Old Trafford originally indicated a £100million transfer war chest would be given to him in the current window.
However, the former RB Leipzig manager has not added a single new player to his United squad, despite the fact they are currently locked in a very tight race for the top four.
The Red Devils leap-frogged Tottenham Hotspu r, Arsenal, and West Ham United into the Champions League places, courtesy of Marcus Rashford’s last minute winner against the latter in their final match before the break.
But January transfer deadline day now upon us, Mirror Football considers five players United could very well sign in the final hours.
Franck Kessie
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Franck Kessie may have been competing for the Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, but his future has still been a huge point of interest in the window.
With his contract at AC Milan set to expire at the end of the season, many have touted the midfielder to either depart Stefano Pioli’s side for a fee, or sign a pre-contract agreement with a perspective club at the end of the season.
He has once again impressed at the heart of the Rossoneri midfield this season, scoring six goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for the seven-time European champions.
United’s difficulties in midfield have been well-documented this season, and when it comes to potential bargains like the former Atalanta star, they would do very well to find a better one than Kessie.
Ousmane Dembele
Ousmane Dembele’s future at Barcelona has been one of the most volatile transfer saga in recent seasons.
His relationship with the Catalans appears to be beyond repair, and with his contract also set to expire at the end of the season, Xavi’s side appear determined to extract a transfer fee from the player they signed for a massive £126m in 2017.
Newcastle United and Chelsea have also been linked with a potential move for Dembele, but with United losing Anthony Martial and potentially Jesse Lingard, the Frenchman could very well be a tempting prospect.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni has regularly been uttered in the same breath as West Ham midfield general Declan Rice, when conversation has shifted onto United’s aspirational midfield signings.
The Monaco central midfielder has emerged as one of the finest young midfielders in world football, having impressed for the Ligue 1 giants and the French national team.
French outlet RMC Sport, via the Metro, understands United are amongst a plethora of clubs who have been in talks to sign the 22-year-old midfield general, who has particularly impressed alongside United star and French compatriot Paul Pogba.
Such a move would be very difficult to arrange on transfer deadline day, but the January window has a tendency to drop jaws in the final hours of the market.
Ruben Neves
Under Bruno Lage, Wolves are enjoying one of their most exciting seasons in recent years, and Ruben Neves is a reason for their cracking form.
However, reports from the Sun claim the Midlanders have slapped a £40m price tag on the Portuguese playmaker who has regularly been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
But a 24-year-old midfielder at the top of his game having accumulated 128 Premier League appearances is very hard to find, particularly with his reported price-tag.
United’s fans are crying out for a new central midfielder, and Neves could very well be a shrewd and impressive signing for the Reds.
Amadou Haidara
Speculation linking Amadou Haidara with a move to the Red Devils seemed to follow his former boss and mentor Rangnick through the doors at Old Trafford.
Having convinced the player to sign for RB Leipzig during his spell in charge of RB Leipzig, ESPN claimed a potential reunion with Rangnick and the Malian star was very much on the cards.
In a previous interview, Haidara said he grew up as a Manchester United fan who idolised the likes of Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra, and current United hitman Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rangnick may not be a huge fan of making signings in January, but if he were to park his opinions and go full throttle on the midfielder, then he could very well have the pulling power to lure him over to United.
