Rating Manchester United's January arrivals: Could Marcel Sabitzer play a key role?

However, circumstances can change, and a new centre-forward was required when Cristiano Ronaldo had his contract terminated at the end of November.

A new goalkeeper was also targeted, as Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle United, while it became clear that the club would need to make a late move for a midfielder due to Christian Eriksen's ankle injury, which will keep him out until the end of April.

Donny van de Beek is also out for the rest of the season following knee surgery, while Scott McTominay could miss the next two to three weeks with a muscular problem, which forced the club's hand on deadline day.

Man United have reached the EFL Cup final, while they are still chasing success in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League, so it is set to be a very busy spell for the club.

Big-money signings were never going to be possible in January due to the ownership situation, with the Glazers in talks over a sale, but there were still three incomings, and here, Sports Mole rates the signings out of 10.

JACK BUTLAND (ON LOAN FROM CRYSTAL PALACE)

There is every chance that Jack Butland could spend the rest of the season at Man United without making a single appearance for the club.

Indeed, the 29-year-old is firmly third choice between the sticks, with David de Gea the undisputed number one and Tom Heaton promoted to number two following Dubravka's return to his parent club.

De Gea, unless something drastic happens, will continue to play in the Premier League and Europa League, with Heaton potentially being given a chance in the FA Cup, while he will also be hoping to retain the gloves for the EFL Cup final against Newcastle at the end of the month.

As a result, the only way Butland could come into the first team is if both De Gea and Heaton are injured at the same time, which is very unlikely but not impossible.

Butland's contract with Palace is due to expire this summer, so he could potentially move to Man United on a permanent basis if he makes a strong impression around the training ground, especially if Heaton departs.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag wanted to have three experienced goalkeepers at the club ahead of a busy few months, so Butland is certainly filling a role at the club, making him a worthwhile addition.

Rating: 6/10

WOUT WEGHORST (ON LOAN FROM BURNLEY)

There were certainly eyebrows raised when Wout Weghorst arrived at Man United on loan from Burnley, with the striker ending his spell with Besiktas to make the move to Old Trafford.

There were initially questions surrounding how often he would play, but the 30-year-old has actually started all five matches since his arrival, with Anthony Martial struggling to overcome his fitness problems.

Weghorst scored his first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on January 25, and he has certainly played an important role since his arrival last month.

The Netherlands international has impressed with his hold-up play and pressing, and it is not impossible to imagine him earning a permanent move to Old Trafford as a rotation option.

Weghorst is not going to be finding the back of the net match after match in the second half of the season, but that is not why he was signed, rather his teamwork and ability to bring out the best in those around him.

It is obvious that the Man United players have taken to him, and even if Martial can finally overcome his injury problems, there will be an important role for the Dutchman this season.

Rating: 7/10

MARCEL SABITZER (ON LOAN FROM BAYERN MUNICH)

Marcel Sabitzer's arrival was somewhat of a surprise, as there had not been any speculation surrounding the Austria international until the seriousness of Eriksen's ankle injury was disclosed.

The midfielder was in the stands for Man United's 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their EFL Cup final on Wednesday night, and he could make his debut against Crystal Palace this weekend.

The 28-year-old has found it tough to break into the Bayern Munich side on a regular basis this season, but he has still made 24 appearances, contributing one goal and one assist in the process.

Sabitzer's all-action style and ability to defend and attack makes him the ideal midfielder for Ten Hag, and it was a very clever signing from the Red Devils, especially that late in the transfer window.

Only time will tell whether he is capable of transitioning into the Premier League, his talent is not in doubt, and he has the experience at club and international level to deal with playing for a club of Man United's size.

Eriksen's injury is a huge blow for the Red Devils considering his form this season, but Sabitzer could prove to be a vital player for the 20-time English champions over the next few months.

Rating: 7/10