Manchester United January transfer window activity was a mixed bag for two reasons; getting rid of players can be seen as a positive, while not signing anyone can easily be seen as a negative.
While John Murtough and the rest of the negotiating team have done well to trim down a bloated squad, the lack of new arrivals have left a disappointing feeling in the mouths of supporters.
With the likes of Amad, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek to name a few, all exiting the club on loans until the end of the season, this was seen as a positive step because they would get the game time they needed. It also undoubtedly would've helped get rid of some unhappiness that has been associated with the current playing squad.
At the same time, no one can argue that it's been a 10/10 window for United because no new personnel has arrived.
As Ralf Rangnick is the only interim manager until the end of the season, United was reluctant to spend any money in the winter market. The current situation with the team and the squad is lacking, plus the necessity for Champions League football. When you take all of that into context, it means there should have been at least a temporary solution until the summer. It feels like another silly decision by the Glazer family.
It seems that United are banking all of their hopes on the summer transfer window to sort out some of the main problems in the squad, but it makes you wonder whether they have any grip of the issues that need addressing. Quite frankly, it feels impossible that all of it will be done in the summer.
United lacks someone who can cover a lot of distance in the centre-ground while specialising in defensive duties. A central defensive midfielder is an apparent priority because it should have been addressed in January. Denis Zakaria seemed like the obvious pick, but United didn't feel he was good enough and instead signed no one. Considering he left for next to nothing to join Juventus, it looks like a missed opportunity.
However, United will have more areas that will need reinforcing by the time July comes, including in the striker position.
With Edinson Cavan i set to leave at the end of the season and Cristiano Ronaldo approaching the back end of his career, adding a new number nine is essential in the summer. Erling Haaland has been tipped to make a big move, but whether that's to Old Trafford remains to be seen.
United also need to strengthen in their right-back area too. The uncertainty over Aaron Wan-Bissaka means Diogo Dalot will be the only established right-sided defender at the club, so United may have to be on the lookout for a new profile. Tariq Lamptey of Brighton is the obvious choice, but other teams will also want to sign him.
Another winger may also be needed at United. With Anthony Elanga, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford the only established wide players at the club, another profile might be required to offer more cover for these individuals.
That could mean that up to four new established first-team additions might be needed for United to sort out the balance of the team. When you factor in that the Glazers very rarely like to spend when they're in the Champions League, it could be a massive problem for the next manager. On the other hand, if United fail to qualify for Europe, it'll massively affect who they can target in the summer.
It's a sticky situation, and I'm not sure United or the Glazers realise it yet.
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