Manchester United January transfer round up

After Manchester United splashed a record 150 million last summer, the club fans were hoping for a similar busy transfer period in January. Also with many identifying the back-line being the weak link of the team, fans were optimistic that Louis Van Gaal will make at least one addition in that department.However, those fans were left disappointed as Manchester United hardly made any proper first team signings. Except for the free capture of the legendary Barcelona goalie, United signed a couple more youngsters for the future.But, this window saw the mass exodus continue as upto 12 players left the club either permanently or joined other clubs in loan during this window. Let us look at the three signings and four first team players who left the club in January:

#1 Victor Valdes

After being released by Barcelona last summer, Valdes needed a place to recover from his injury and Manchester United offered what he was looking for. Louis Van Gaal, who gave Valdes his debut during his time at Barcelona allowed the player to carry on his rehabilitation process at United's Carrington training ground.

Once, the January window opened, it was little surprise to see United put pen to paper for the Spanish shot stopper. After coming through the ranks of the Barcelona youth system, Valdes made his senior debut in 2002. Since then the 32-year-old Spaniard enjoyed a blistering career by winning 21 titles including the three champions league crowns (2006, 2009, 2011) along with making 20 caps for the national team.

With United already having one of the best goal keepers in the world in David De Gea, many were unsure about adding another one in the same position. But, with Real Madrid circling around De Gea like Vultures, Van Gaal cannot be blamed to safeguard the position by adding another.

#2 Sadiq El Fitouri

Manchester United were rumoured to be looking for a right back in the window, hence many suitable candidates like Nathaniel Clyne and Seamus Coleman was linked for a shock January move to Old Trafford. But, surprisingly Van Gaal ignored the lot and bought the former Manchester City right back Sadiq El Fitouri.

The youngster was signed from the class-of-92 owned Salford City on an 18-month contract. The Libya-born defender will initially link up with Warren Joyce's Under-21 squad.

Fitouri was released by Manchester City and was out of the game as recently as last month before Salford signed him. Hence, for the player to make the switch to Old Trafford will definitely be a dream come true.

#3 Andy Kellet

Just when Manchester United looked like coming out of the deadline day without signing anyone, Louis Van Gaal had a surprise in store for the fans as he secured a season long loan for young Bolton Wanderers left-back.

Kellet, 21, is a product of Bolton's academy. He was playing for Plymouth on loan for the first half of this season but returned back to his parent club and started for Bolton in their match at Rotherham last week.

As part of the deal, Saidy Janko moves from Manchester United to Bolton for a season long loan. Fans may have been pleased to see the Red Devils do some sort of business on the deadline day, however Kellet is certainly not the answer for United's current problems.

#4 Darren Fletcher to West Brom

Van Gaal's massive overhaul Manchester United continued with life long Manchester United player Darren Fletcher leaving the club to join West Bromwich Albion in the window.

Fletcher began his career at United in 2002 after graduating from their youth academy and went on to make 342 appearances for the club despite missing almost two years due to the debilitating illness ulcerative colitis. This season his playing time has reduced, as the midfielder started just the two games since August for the Red Devils.

Hence, with his contract set to expire in the summer, Fletcher was granted a free transfer to help him find a new club in this window. After coming close to join West Ham United last week, the midfielder snubbed their interest to head for West Brom to be a part of the Tony Pulis revolution. Considering the limited resources United have in the middle of the park, it is surprising to see Van Gaal allowed Fletcher to leave the club without buying a proper replacement.

#5 Anderson to Internacional

Who can forget the 'Next Ronaldinho'? Certainly not many as expectations was sky high when Anderson after being dubbed with that tag joined Manchester United in 2007.

Though the midfielder showed glimpses of his abilities initially, the midfielder was never able to justify his 26 million price tag. Also his injury concerns was a big headache for the manager as the player was regularly out injured.

Hence the Reds were more than happy to let the Brazilian join Internacional on a four-year-deal in the window when they knocked on the door. Surely not many fans will be against this decision.

#6 Wilfried Zaha to Crystal Palace

The winger was the last signing made by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson before announcing his retirement in 2013. Despite possessing immense potential, the English winger struggled to get regular playing time with United.

Hence, former manager David Moyes allowed him to join Cardiff City on loan in the second half of last season. Van Gall followed it by allowing him to join Crystal Palace on loan this campaign.

After the winger understanding that he will not get regular first-team action with United, Zaha has secured a permanent move with his boyhood club, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal. It is still unclear why the player was never given the sufficient chance to show his potential with the Red Devils.

#7 Michael Keane to Burnley

The English under-21 international also followed Zaha's footsteps by making his loan move into a permanent one. Keane, who had been on loan with Burnley since last August signed a three and a half year contract for a reported £2 million deal.

He came through the United youth set-up and signed professionally for the club in 2011. Since then he had been in loan spells at Leicester, Derby and Blackburn.

He was a regular for Van Gaal in the pre-season tour and made two appearances for United this season before joining Burnley on loan. He has since made 11 appearances for Sean Dyche's side.