Breaking news: Man Utd chief Ed Woodward could sign five players as January transfer window opens

 Ralf Rangnick and Manchester United 

are set to embark on what could be their 

most significant transfer window in recent

 years. Despite a ferocious spending spree 

which saw Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, 

and Cristiano Ronaldo join the club in the

 summer transfer window, United currently

 find themselves in a race for the top four 

rather than the Premier League title.

Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea

 have propelled ahead of United and left 

them competing with the likes of West 

Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and 

Arsenal for the final Champions League spot.

However, their fortunes may be about to 

change as Rangnick has reportedly been 

granted a £100million transfer war chest 

to strengthen his inconsistent side.

Express Sport considers five players who 

could arrive at Old Trafford this January.

Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland is the hottest property on the

 transfer market after amassing 19 goals and 

nine assists in just 17 appearances in all 

competitions for Borussia Dortmund.

The imposing 21-year-old is expected to 

depart the club in the summer, when his £

68m release clause in the summer becomes

 activated.

However, reports from The mirror claim

 United believe Rangnick’s appointment

 has afforded them the edge in the race to 

sign the imperious Norwegian.

Rangnick bought Haaland to RB Salzburg

 when he was still a raw prospect playing 

for Molde, and the Red Devils reportedly 

feel their previous history could be an advantage

 over the likes of Manchester City and 

Real Madrid.

Haaland also prompted more speculation 

connecting him with a January exit when

 he appeared to be waving goodbye to 

Dortmund fans, before the club went into

 their annual winter break.

Amadou Haidara

RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara has frequently

 been linked with a reunion with Rangnick.

The United boss was the man who convinced

 the Mali international to join him at Leipzig,

 despite the fact he was carrying an injury 

at the time.

In December, Haidara spoke glowingly about

 the United manager in an interview with 

Bild , before stating Manchester United was 

his favourite team growing up.

Haidara understands Rangnick’s demanding

 philosophy inside out, and United desperately

 need a new deep-lying midfielder who 

can provide a safety blanket to the defence 

and efficiently move the ball to the front-line.

According to the The mirror , Haidara will

 be allowed to depart the club if United pay 

his release clause, estimated to be around £33m.

Franck Kessie

When quality and price is considered, 

AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is one

 of the most enticing prospects in the transfer

 market.

Not only has he contributed an impressive

 five goals in 16 Serie A appearances from 

central midfield, he will likely be available 

for a cut-price fee.

With less than six months left to run on his

 deal, the Ivory Coast international will either

 be free to negotiate pre-contract agreements

 with clubs, or he could potentially be sold 

in January to prevent him from leaving 

the club on a free transfer.

While reports from Fichajes ( via Manchester

 evening news ) have claimed United were

 previously interested in trying to sign him 

for free at the end of his deal, United’s well

-documented need to strengthen their central

 midfield could very well prompt a move in 

the window.

Tottenham are also purported to 

be interested in the versatile midfielder.

Mauro Icardi

United have earmarked Paris Saint-Germain

 striker Maurio Icardi as a potential replacement

 for Edinson Cavani, according to reports.

The Argentine striker has been struggling for

 game time with Mauricio Pochettino’s side

, having been stuck behind the likes of 

 Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Despite his recent lack of on-pitch action,

 the 28-year-old’s finishing prowess is unquestionable

, having notched 38 goals and 10 assists in 

82 appearances for the French giants, and

 a further 124 goals in 219 matches for 

Inter Milan.

Austin report that Icardi has been touted 

as a potential replacement for Cavani, 

who has regularly been linked with a 

move away from Old Trafford.

The Uruguayan’s agent recently Cavani

 has grown unhappy at United, due to his lack of 

involvement under Rangnick, and has been 

tipped to join Barcelona.

However, any move for Icardi is unlikely 

materialize if United were to pursue a 

deal for Haaland.

Kieran Trippier

While reports from Marca  have claimed 

Kieran Trippier could soon be on his way 

to Newcastle United, a move to Manchester

 United is still very possible.

Preceding articles from Spanish outlet 

AS claimed Trippier would prefer a move to 

Man United if the opportunity arose.

Rangnick appears to be uncertain of his current

 full-back options, with Diogo Dalot and 

Alex Telles struggling against Newcastle 

in particular.

His immediate decision to drop Luke 

Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also suggests 

he is not convinced by the English duo, despite

 their huge expense to the club.

While the signs are currently pointing towards

 a move to St James’ Park, Trippier’s head

 could well and truly be turned if United 

come knocking.