Who could Man Utd sign in January and which players might leave before the transfer window closes?

With the January transfer window now officially open, we're taking a look at the business Manchester United could complete through the month - and what has already been said.

United had a busy summer transfer window, eventually bringing in Casemiro, Antony and Lisandro Martinez for a combined outlay of over £200 million.

Christian Eriksen also joined the club on a free transfer, with Martin Dubravka arriving on loan from Newcastle.

A number of high-profile players, meanwhile, departed Old Trafford upon the expiration of their contracts, including Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata.

The exit of Cristiano Ronaldo in November has also freed up further budget for the Red Devils. But what transfer business could they do in January?

Who could Man Utd sign in January?

Prior to the World Cup getting underway, United were heavily linked with signing a right-back and a forward player in the January transfer window.

However, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to full fitness and putting in impressive displays since the resumption of the Premier League, right-back may well become less of a priority position.

Meanwhile, United missed out on Cody Gakpo, with Liverpool signing the Dutch forward.

But the Daily Mail claimed in December that Ten Hag's side would be initially exploring the loan market for deals, which would naturally limit what United can complete.

They have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a temporary arrangement.

Meanwhile, if they go down the permanent route, interest in a cut-price deal for Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio has been reported by Sport. The 26-year-old's contract expires this summer.

Who could leave Old Trafford this month?

United could use January to move on players who have had little game time this season.

Phil Jones was not registered in the club's 25-man Premier League squad, and is yet to appear in any competition under Ten Hag. His contract expires this summer, but United could look to sell him early.

Anthony Elanga has been linked with a move to Everton, and could depart on loan.

And Facundo Pellistri was praised by Ten Hag in December, but is still yet to make a senior appearance this season and was not named in the matchday squad for either of the club's post-World Cup fixtures to date.

What has Erik ten Hag said?

Ten Hag has confirmed that United are looking to sign an attacking player in January - but they must fit certain criteria.

He explained (quotes via Manchester Evening News): "We have a squad, we have players who are matching our criteria but, with all the games that are coming, it is a tough competition.

"We want to be also playing in all of the competition by winning in games and cups as well, so you need players.

"You need numbers to cover, so we need good players, not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that.

"You need also competition [so] that you can make technical choices. We are looking for the right player for our squad, and that has to match the sporting criteria but also the financial criteria."