Manchester United's January transfer window was disappointing for many fans. There were several outgoings, including Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek leaving Old Trafford on loan, but more importantly, there were no incomings.
This trimming of the squad seemed good on paper, but on paper doesn't win football games, and the problems became increasingly apparent in United's FA Cup fixture against Middlesbrough.
To begin with, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani were absent from the squad, already limiting the options on the United bench and meaning one substitute spot was left unfilled.
