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Manchester United are in a state of bother, and they need reinforcements in January. The Reds sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a poor run of form.
Things have started improving since interim manager Ralf Rangnick took over at the helm. However, United are planning to get a few players during the January transfer window. That's because Anthony Martial and a few others are looking to leave the club. Reports suggest the Red Devils could get the players Rangnick wants, but they are not interested in short-term solutions.
Manchester United signed Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane in the summer. However, it is clear that they need more players to compete for the Premier League title.
On that note, here are five players who have been linked with January moves to Manchester United:
#5 Ruben Neves
Paul Pogba's future is still in the balance, so Manchester United are looking to sign a replacement soon. The Red Devils have been linked with Ruben Neves for some time, and it seems the move could happen in January.
As per The Sun, Manchester United are set to battle with Chelsea for the Portuguese star's signature in January. Wolverhampton are reportedly willing to sell the midfielder to fund Bruno Lage's transfer plans in the upcoming window.
When asked about his recent links with Manchester United last week, Neves said:
"It's normal in football. Whenever there's a transfer market there's a lot of talk, but my goal and focus are on Wolverhampton and I'm not going to change that, things have been going really well for me. I still have a lot to learn, I have a lot to give here."
#4 Florian Wirtz
Ever since Ralf Rangnick took over at Manchester United in his interim role, German players have been linked with moves to Old Trafford. Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz is one such player, and reports suggest the Red Devils are plotting a move for him in January.
However, the Bundesliga side are not looking to sell their prized asset. They have already said that they have no plans of letting Wirtz leave next month or in the summer.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller said:
"Due to his contractual situation and the trust we have built in him and his family, we know that he will be in good hands here for a few more years."
"At some point, maybe that day will come and this club will be too small for Florian, similar to Kai Havertz. But that will still take a while. My wish is that Florian will stay with us for a few more years. That is important for us and for the whole of the Bundesliga, and I think it's his plan too."
That has not stopped Daily Star from linking him with Manchester United. The report says that Rangnick could help secure the deal for the Red Devils.
#3 Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka wanted to stay at Aston Villa, but the promise of first-team football has not been fulfilled. The teenager is not happy with the number of minutes he is getting, and is reportedly set to leave Villa Park.
Manchester United are among the clubs chasing the youngster, and reports suggest they could make a move for him in January. However, Gabriel Agbonlahor has advised the teenager to sign a new deal at Aston Villa.
"My message to him would be: Aston Villa is the best place for you to be. You might have clubs like Man City and Man United looking at you, but you've got more chance of breaking through at Aston Villa and get minutes. When you get your chance, take it. My advice would be to reject offers from Liverpool and everyone else; stay and sign a new contract with the club."
#2 Illan Meslier
Dean Henderson is reportedly considering his future at Manchester United, and reports claim he is set to ask for a move away in January. The Red Devils are unwilling to let go of him without signing a replacement, and have set their sights on Illan Meslier.
The Leeds United goalkeeper has been doing well since the club got promoted to the top division. However, his form has dipped slightly this season, along with his teammates', but that has not stopped Manchester United looking to sign him.
Daily Mail says that Meslier has been on top of Manchester United's target list if Henderson decides to leave. However, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes the move is unlikely. He told Football Insider:
"There is no way he is moving to Manchester United. He just signed a new deal. The club will not be looking to move him on. They have no real cover in that area. Clubs do their due diligence on players and believe me, there will be a lot of clubs doing reports on Illan Meslier at the moment. He has been amazing in a team that is struggling."
#1 Amadou Haidara
Manchester United need to sign a midfielder in January, and reports suggest Amadou Haidara is their numero uno target.
The RB Leipzig star has been doing well for the Bundesliga side. When asked about his Red Devils links, he said that he was a fan of them growing up.
"Everyone had a favourite team as a kid. Mine was Manchester United," Haidara told German outlet Bild.
Ralf Rangnick reportedly sees Haidara as one who could deliver consistent performances, something Scott McTominay and Fred haven't yet.
