The January transfer window is fast approaching, and it's likely to be an important one, to say the least, for Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim has endured a difficult start to life in the Old Trafford dugout after replacing Erik ten Hag as United manager. The 39-year-old currently finds United in 13th place in the Premier League table and well adrift of the European spots, particularly the Champions League.

The title race has long been out of reach for United this season, but there is still the possibility of major silverware with the Europa League or FA Cup. But Amorim's main priority for the second half of the campaign will be to see some improvement as he gets to work with the squad he inherited last month.

January will be Amorim's first chance to bring new faces to the club in the form of new signings in the transfer market. Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at how United's perfect January transfer window may look.

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Rashford exit

Marcus Rashford's future is often the topic of debate, but the noise has intensified over the last few weeks. Rashford has not been part of the United squad for the last three fixtures after the forward took part in a controversial interview.

Amorim chose not to include Rashford in any of the games against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur or Bournemouth. It remains to be seen what the future may hold for the England international, but Rashford himself admitted that he is 'ready for a new challenge'.

Despite the claim from Rashford, Amorim stated that the forward wants to remain a United player. If the 27-year-old continues to not be a regular member of the squad, then a move in January may be what's best for both parties.

A permanent move for one of United's highest earners in January, just weeks after Amorim's arrival, may not be likely unless a substantial offer is made from a rival club. But if a loan can be agreed between all three parties - United, Rashford and a rival club - that may be the best outcome for all concerned.

Complete £40m deal

United have been forced to deal with several injury concerns all season. Luke Shaw remains on the sidelines, having made just three appearances this term, while Tyrell Malacia only returned in November from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Signing a new left-back has been reported to be a main priority for United heading into the January transfer window. A host of targets have been suggested, including Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez and Benfica's Alvaro Fernandez, among others, with the Cherries defender reported to be valued at around £40million.

Given the amount of time that United have been linked with a full-back, the club will likely have their list of targets heading into January. What business they do, though, will depend on the budget available and whether or not any outgoings are needed.

If United can get a new left-back in January, then it should be a top priority as Amorim begins to build his squad.

Sign a striker

It's not just in defence where United arguably need reinforcements. For the last 18 months, the Reds have struggled for regular goals in the team and have been linked with signing a new striker. Even though Joshua Zirkzee was signed in the summer and Rasmus Hojlund arrived 12 months earlier, it has not stopped United from being among the lowest scorers in the Premier League - only four teams have scored fewer goals this season.

A host of names have been credited as potential targets for United ahead of the January transfer window. Viktor Gyokeres, Randal Kolo Muani, Omar Marmoush, Victor Boniface, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen have all been mentioned on the United rumour mill in recent months.

It's unlikely that United would sign a striker without at least one major departure, with Rashford the most likely, given Hojlund and Zirkzee are still in the relatively early days of their contracts. But if a new striker can be signed, it would give Amorim a new option to go into the second half of the season.