January 2024 will be remembered as a frustrating transfer window for Manchester United, but ultimately a successful one.
The aim ahead of the market opening was to reduce the wage bill and gain some income from fringe members of the squad, an objective that was unquestionably achieved.
But the Red Devils would have liked to sign a striker during the mid-season window and couldn’t find the finances to afford such a deal.
United are not the only Premier League club in such a bind, with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers limited in what they could spend during January. But an inability to find the resources for even a short-term loan switch speaks to the concern around United’s long-term financial picture.
That said, there was one incoming at United this month, with a youth-team player cutting short his loan move to return to the club.
There were also a plethora of departures at United, with 17 leaving in one form or another. Two players left in permanent transfers and three moved to Europe in loan deals with an option to buy in the summer. Two others moved abroad on straight loans, while five players have agreed short-term deals in the Football League.
United also arranged what they described as ‘innovative’ loans for four youngsters who have joined non-league clubs and will continue to train and play with the Under-21s at United. The only other transfer deal at Old Trafford last month saw a defender have his loan move cut short.
So, it turned out to be quite a busy month for United in the market. Here are all 18 deals that were completed during the January window…
9. Sonny Aljofree (innovative loan)
The third of United's atypical loan agreements sees Aljofree return to Altrincham.
10. Donny van de Beek (loan + option)
Has headed to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the remainder of the season and could sign for the Bundlesliga club permanently in the summer. A deal would cost Frankfurt €11m (£9.5m) plus €3m (£2.6m) in add-ons, and they're paying the majority of Van de Beek's wages while on loan.
11. Hannibal (loan + option)
The midfielder hasn't enjoyed an easy start to life in Spain following his loan move. Sevilla have the option to make it permanent in the summer for £17m plus add-ons, while there's a buy-back clause and sell-on fee inserted for United.
12. Isak Hansen-Aaroen (transfer)
Joined Werder Bremen in a permanent deal with United earning a small fee and percentage of a future transfer. There's also the option for United to match any bids that Bremen receive for the midfielder.