Ralf Rangnick's new appointments could lead to three Man Utd January transfers

Manchester United have appointed Ewan Sharp and Chris Armas to join Ralf Rangnick's growing backroom of staff at the club, and the latter, a former New York Red Bulls coach, could have a role in the club's recruitment.

The Red Devils are expected to be active in the upcoming January transfer window, and could well use their connections through Rangnick, Sharp and Armas.

The pair have spent time in the Red Bull Football Group, with Armas previously at New York Red Bulls and Rangnick previously the head of football development for the energy drink-sponsored group.

United are keen on bringing in a defensive midfielder, a position that has long been held a priority.

But reports have claimed Rangnick wants to bring in a new centre-forward, and there could be an influx of players over the coming weeks.

One player who could be first on the United shopping list is RB Leipzig star Tyler Adams.

Adams is known for his versatility, and can play either in the middle of midfield or as a central midfielder, making him a valuable asset to any team.

He worked with Armas at New York Red Bulls - another club under the organisation's control where Rangnick has had a massive impact.

In New York, Armas coached the American for three years - aiding his development before leaving for Leipzig in 2019.

Adams has had a bit of a stop start season in the Bundesliga, making 20 appearances across all competitions.

Should he arrive, he could help fix United's problem in the middle of midfield, with Donny van de Beek's future still seeming unclear.

It has been reported that the RB Leipzig ace has a release clause worth around £33m while Arsenal could re-enter the race despite signing Albert Sambi Lokonga in the summer.

But he isn't the only former RB man the Red Devils could look to recruit.

Reports suggest Rangnick told United during his interview process that he wanted the club to sign Erling Haaland, who he previously worked with during the Norwegian's time at RB Salzburg.

Haaland will be available next summer for £68million due to a release clause in his Borussia Dortmund contract and, with Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani both likely to leave, it's entirely possible United will go for the man they failed to sign in 2019.

Goalscoring machine Haaland famously turned down the chance to join United before he left Salzburg for Dortmund in a deal worth £17m, but instead opted to head to the Bundesliga.

Another player Rangnick is reportedly eager to sign is Amadou Haidara, currently at RB Leipzig. The United interim coach worked with Haidara during their time in Germany, and is said to be eager to reunite with the 23-year-old.

Haidara can either play as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder in front of the defence, and is reported to have a release clause of just £32.9m, meaning he won't be too expensive for United's January budget.

United have already promised Rangnick a transfer war chest in the region of £100m.