United have undergone a lot of changes this January, but not one of them concerns the January transfer window. United have played under three managers since January 1st, lost three starters to AFCON, have crashed out of the FA Cup, and put a massive dent in Manchester City's title hopes by beating them at Old Trafford.
With all that considered, it's no surprise that United have been quiet in the transfer market. The Athletic reported early in the window that Manchester United were not planning to make any signings, and rumours have been largely quiet.
Potential for transfers have been opened up with the sacking of Ruben Amorim and the hiring of Michael Carrick as interim head coach. While United will be hesitant to invest much capital in a temporary appointment, United have still been linked with some players, and would be especially likely to do business if someone like Joshua Zirkzee or Manuel Ugarte depart the squad.
Every player Man United might target in the January transfer window
Ruben Neves
Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves and Man United have been consistently linked together in transfer reports this month. Neves, currently at Al-Hilal, is reportedly seeking a move back to the Premier League.
Neves, 28, is an industrious and talented midfielder with Premier League experience, and would slot in nicely in Michael Carrick's midfield as a progressive passer and ball-winner.
The deal will be hampered by Neves' reportedly hefty wages, but with Neves' contract up in the summer, Al-Hilal might be open to cashing in this January. United would likely only move after departures, most likely the rumoured departure of Manuel Ugarte.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
United have reportedly been offered the chance to loan or sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the AC Milan and former Chelsea midfielder.
Loftus-Cheek was once lauded as a wonderkid of the Chelsea academy, but after a bright start to his career in Milan, has struggled for playing time, and wishes to leave in order to try and secure a place in England's World Cup squad this summer.
This would constitute a market opportunity for United. Loftus-Cheek is seeking an exit to impress Thomas Tuchel and travel to the World Cup in the summer, and United could do with midfield reinforcements. Milan's insistence on a permanent move may be a roadblock in the deal, but if United choose to proceed, they likely could secure the Englishman's signature.
Noah Sadiki
Give Me Sport have reported that Man United are eyeing a move for 21-year-old Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki, and are considering a swap deal involving Manuel Ugarte.
Sadiki has been a consistent piece of Sunderland's overachieving side, having signed from the Belgian Pro League in the summer. Sunderland would be hesitant to part with him, especially in the middle of the season, but if they get an instant replacement in Ugarte, United would kill two birds with one stone if they get Sadiki's signature.
Yisa Alao
Man United reportedly are in the race to sign Sheffield Wednesday left-back progidy Yisa Alao. The 17-year-old has attracted interest from a multitude of Premier league clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool.
Sheffield Wednesday are in a heap of financial trouble, and may be forced to sell assets during this window. The 17-year-old has only made 4 professional appearances for the club, but could potentially cost up to £5m.
United and Chelsea have both reportedly bid for the player already, with both bids below £1m. Alao could prove to be a shrewd bit of business for United if they are able to fight off the competition and secure Alao to his first professional contract.