Five players Man Utd should target on loan this window to boost their Premier League form

Erik ten Hag has not ruled out the option of bringing in new players on loan this window as Manchester United hope to climb the Premier League table and improve on a less than desirable first half of the season.

The Red Devils are currently seventh in the table but are 11 points behind Aston Villa, who round off the top four as things stand. United have work to do but there's still time left for them to bring in some reinforcements to aid their Premier League push.

We've listed five potential targets ten Hag and co would benefit from signing on loan this window. Some may be more likely than others, but the uncertainty is the beauty of the transfer window.

Mauro Icardi

With 17 goals to his name so far, it's no surprise that Mauro Icardi has been attracting attention this season. The 30-year-old has only been at new club Galatasaray since July but United have been keeping their eye on him.

In December, Football Transfers claimed that the Reds have been considering a January move for the 30-year-old and a potential deal would be a 'loan with a clause attached'. Icardi himself is said to be open to new challenges already and while the striker would get the chance to play in the Premier League for the first time, United will add an experienced goalscorer to their ranks to alleviate the pressure on Rasmus Højlund.

Jarrad Branthwaite

United are said to be 'admirers' of the Evertonian, who is turning a lot of heads with his performances for the Toffees. The Reds have had a number of players on their outgoings list for a while now, including some midfielders. Casemiro is expected to leave Old Trafford sooner rather than later and Sofyan Amrabat's loan deal is not expected to be made permanent either.

There have also been some contrasting reports on the future of both Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay. The latter has really stepped up this season but his position at the club was very much a grey area at one point.

This hefty potential clear out would open the door for a player like Branthwaite in a 'try before you buy' deal, but convincing a struggling Everton to part ways with a key player will be extremely hard. A permanent deal in the future could sweeten the deal though as the Blues hope to avoid any more Profitability and Sustainability rule breaches.

Serhou Guirassy

West Ham have been heavily linked to Guirassy but they are up against some stiff competition. Football Insider has reported that United are among the rival clubs competing with the Irons for the striker's signature.

VfB Stuttgart are fighting to keep Guirassy at the club but he has a release clause of just £15 million, which is naturally very tempting to a number of clubs considering his 19-goal return so far this season. Like other star players, it's unlikely the club will want to let Guirassy leave midway through the season, but Tottenham Hotspur were able to move for Timo Werner, so big January loan signings aren't exactly off the table.

Armando Broja

United haven't been directly linked to Broja but Chelsea are looking to cash in on the striker and have even altered their transfer stance in attempt to get a deal over the line this month. Recent reports have claimed the Blues have lowered their asking and are even considering letting Broja leave on loan.

The 22-year-old has had some injury issues this season but since his return, he hasn't been able to secure consistent starts under Mauricio Pochettino. United need attacking back-up and both Chelsea and Broja will be looking to attract some interest in a full-time transfer, so putting his talent on display with the Red Devils could benefit all involved.

Kalvin Phillips

A more unlikely one for a number of reasons but Phillips is a player who could pretty much be included on any loan interest list. The 28-year-old has been linked with a Manchester City exit for some time now and talks over a short-term loan stint this month have ramped up.

Previous reports linked United to Phillips but talks have cooled since then and he looks more likely to sign for another Premier League rival instead. While it's more than likely we will see the England international elsewhere this season, Phillips would still have been a positive boost for United, especially if they offload Casemiro and are looking for a natural defensive midfielder.