Manchester United's main aim was to 'get players out' of the club during the January transfer window, according to Alan Smith.
Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Amad were among the high profile names who have left Old Trafford last month.
Despite there being plenty of talk of new faces being needed at United, Ralf Rangnick did not make a single signing during January.
But the former United midfielder believes that exits were the Red Devils' main priority this winter.
He told Offer Bets : "I think there’s been a lot of change at United recently with the new interim manager and whatever his role is going to be after this season – I still think people are unclear on what that may be.
"There’s been talk of him staying on as manager.
"I don’t think everyone would be surprised by the lack of signings as the squad is what they will have been looking at, seeing who the new manager wanted to keep and who was surplus to requirements.
"They’re in a transition and have been for a number of years unfortunately.
"Getting the players out was probably the main thing, and assessing the players that they’ve got before just going and spending money on somebody who might not fit what the manager at this time wants, or a new coach coming in might want."
Manchester United will return to competitive action on Friday night when they host Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in the FA Cup.
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