5 players Manchester United could have signed in the 2022 January transfer window

Friday night's FA Cup elimination against Middlesbrough was the latest in a series of blows Manchester United have endured in recent weeks. Their defeat on penalties came after an underwhelming transfer window that saw multiple departures and no new arrivals.

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Manchester United had a disappointing 2022 January transfer window

Despite being linked with a host of midfielders, the Red Devils could not add reinforcements in the winter window.

They also unexpectedly lost Mason Greenwood, who has been indefinitely suspended. Meanwhile, the club blocked Jesse Lingard's push for a move away, and are now set to lose him for free at the end of the campaign.

Their FA Cup elimination means United have been knocked out of both domestic cups. The Champions League remains their only real shot at a trophy this season, with the Premier League being all but out of reach. Recent results suggest that the Red Devils' failure in the winter window could come back to haunt them.

On that note, here's a look at five players whom Ralf Rangnick and co. should have tried to sign last month:

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#5 Denis Zakaria

Denis Zakaria drives forward with the ball for Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Red Devils were reportedly tracking Borussia Monchengladbach's 25-year-old Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria in the first half of the 2021-22 season. His contract was set to run out at the end of the campaign, meaning the Bundesliga side were willing to sell him in a cut-price deal rather than risk losing him for free later.

Although Zakaria has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, his powerful frame, ability to drive forward with the ball and break up play made him the perfect target for Manchester United. The Red Devils' lack of a world-class defensive midfielder is currently their most glaring weakness.

However, the club chose not to pursue Zakaria, which gave Juventus the chance to swoop in and sign the Swiss international for just over £7 million. On paper, it looks like a terrific bargain.

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#4 Amadou Haidara

Amadou Haidara in action for RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig's 24-year-old midfielder Amadou Haidara was the first player Manchester United were linked with under Ralf Rangnick. The German tactician enjoyed successful spells as sporting director and manager of the Red Bull Sports Group.

Rangnick's links with Leipzig meant fans were optimistic a deal might prove to be relatively straightforward. However, Haidara departed to play in the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali last month, which complicated any potential transfer.

His passing between the lines and marauding runs from midfield could have helped United progress up the pitch quicker, and move the ball around better.

It now appears that any move will have to wait till the end of the ongoingseason.

#3 Ruben Neves

Ruben Neves warms up for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Manchester United were strongly linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves last summer.

However, the Red Devils decided not to match Wolves' reported asking price of £35-40 million after spending on the likes of Jadon Sancho, Rafael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder would have been the perfect signing for the Red Devils. Neves is an excellent passer of the ball, and also boasts terrific IQ and reading of the game at the defensive end, which allows him to rack up interceptions.

Now in his fifth season in English football and closing in on 200 appearances for Wolves, the defensive midfielder is well-acquainted with the pace and rigours of the Premier League. Fans can expect Manchester United to return for Neves at the end of the season.

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#2 Boubacar Kamara

Olympique de Marseille's Boubacar Kamara (right) gets past Felipe Caicedo of Lazio.

Reports suggest Manchester United were offered the chance to sign 22-year-old French defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara from Marseille. The youngster is out of contract at the end of the season, so the Ligue 1 side were willing to sell him for a reduced price in the winter window.

The Red Devils reportedly rejected the opportunity, as their plan is to wait for the appointment of a new permanent manager before spending in the market. Kamara has made 149 appearances for Marseille, and is known for his neat passing and high motor. He has also represented France at all youth levels.

However, it is likely United could focus on targets such as Ruben Neves and Declan Rice, who are older and have Premier League experience.

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#1 Tariq Lamptey

Tariq Lamptey in action for Brighton & Hove Albion

Reports in late December last year suggested Brighton & Hove Albion could struggle to keep hold of promising wing-back Tariq Lamptey. The 21-year-old Chelsea academy product has caught the eye with his attacking displays, pace and dribbling.

Unfortunately, Lamptey has shown a tendency to be increasingly injury-prone, and was restricted to 11 league appearances last season, despite his terrific displays. He has made 35 appearances for Brighton since joining the Seagulls ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Meanwhile, Manchester United's decision to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka for nearly £50 million in 2019 has not paid dividends. The Englishman's lack of ability in the final third has been particularly glaring.

Reports suggest Arsenal and Manchester United could target Lamptey in the summer. However, Brighton are expected to demand a minimum of £40 million for the right-back. The asking price is rather steep, considering Lamptey's recent injury troubles and limited experience.