Manchester United interim coach Ralf Rangnick has only been in the job for a week but he already believes he knows his squad a lot better, as he assesses his options ahead of January transfer window.
The German guided his side to a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in his first match in charge and fielded a youthful starting XI that held Swiss outfit Young Boys to a draw in the Champions League.
The 63-year-old is keen to implement his own style of play and hinted that he would be looking to make new additions to the squad in January.
“If I look at the number of players we have, it’s still a big squad, we definitely do not have not enough players,” Rangnick said.
“We need to make sure that players want to stay here. If they see not getting enough game time here, it might make sense to speak individually with the players to see if a loan deal might make sense.
“But right now, it’s still too early to speak about that."
With Rangnick on the lookout for new signings to arrive in January, there may also be some departures from the red half of Manchester.
Here, Mirror Football brings you the latest transfer news and gossip coming out of Old Trafford.
Which player should Manchester United try to sign in January? Comment below.
Rangnick eyes four after meeting
Man United boss Ralf Rangnick has identified four targets after meeting with transfer chief John Murtough to discuss the upcoming January transfer window.
According to ESPN, Rangnick listed four players he is keen on signing — three of which are midfielders — suggesting he has identified the Red Devils’ weakest area.
The report claims that he has instructed the club’s scouts should take a closer look at RB Leipzig's Amadou Haidara, who could be available for £33m due to a release clause in his contract.
Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips was also recommended, although the midfielder is understood to be reluctant to move to Old Trafford due to the clubs’ long-standing rivalry.
Other names on his shortlist included Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham, who has scored three goals and assisted nine this season.
His Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland has appeared on Rangnick’s radar, although his agent Mino Raiola’s comments about the club’s lack of success suggests a deal may be dead in the water.
Man Utd outcast set to leave
Anthony Martial looks set to end his six-year spell with Manchester United in January after his agent confirmed his desire to leave the club.
The French forward has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford behind Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
The 26-year-old scored only seven goals in all competitions last season and has struggled to stay fit due to a series of injury problems.
But when he has been available for selection, he has been left on the bench and the player’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, has publicly stated his desire to depart the Red Devils.
“Anthony wishes to leave the club in January,” he told Sky Sports.
“He just needs to play. He doesn’t want to stay in January and I will speak to the club soon.”
Tottenham were credited with an interest in July and Antonio Conte — now Spurs manager — may revive their interest in Martial due to his long-standing interest when he was Inter Milan boss.
Everton cool Van de Beek interest
Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek’s hopes of leaving the club in January have hit a snag after Everton reportedly cooled their interest.
The 24-year-old made just four starts under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season and has featured only in a bit-part role for the Red Devils in the current campaign.
The £35m midfielder had been linked with a loan switch to Everton due to sporting director Marcel Brands’ admiration for the ex-Ajax man.
But Brands’ departure has signalled the end of the Toffees’ pursuit, report ESPN, leaving the Netherlands international in limbo.
Van de Beek has been handed a potential lifeline by Rangnick, who started him in the 1-1 draw with Young Boys. But his long-term future remains unclear after a difficult start to his Man United career.
