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For the first time since 2005, Manchester United failed to bring in a player during the winter transfer window.

Whether it was Nemanja Vidic , Manucho or Paul Scholes , United have tended to increase their playing staff in January and February but this year the window clanked shut without any new incomings at Old Trafford.

United began the season with an insufficient 23-man squad and are currently nursing seven key squad injuries, yet they have staked faith in Louis van Gaal's track record in bringing through young players.

Despite the emergence of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Guillermo Varela, United did try to sign a right-back on loan before the deadline, as M.E.N. Sport revealed on Sunday.

Arsenal reportedly blocked a move for French right-back Mathieu Debuchy while Olympiakos defender Omar Elabdellaoui's agent confirmed the club's interest. Van Gaal vetoed a transfer in January, however it was not for a right-back.

The United manager revealed his intention to sign a left-back in November, before reaffirming that in January, albeit stating he wanted a 'full-back'.

A combination of factors convinced Van Gaal to abandon his search for a left-back.

Earlier in the season, Van Gaal was prepared to sell Marcos Rojo in the January transfer window, having scouted Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi , until the Argentine dislocated his shoulder in December. Rojo has not played since the goalless draw with PSV Eindhoven on November 25.

Borthwick-Jackson's impressive transition from junior football to the senior level also convinced Van Gaal to divert his attention to right-back. The Flixton-born defender has started United's last two matches, having replaced Ashley Young at Anfield.

Young and Matteo Darmian's January injuries in successive weeks left United with just one recognised right-back in Varela, who made his fourth United appearance at Derby on Friday night.

United were reluctant to spend at the halfway stage, since two of their right-backs could return in February.

Darmian and Antonio Valencia should be available for selection again at various stages this month. Valencia has been out for over three months with a foot injury he suffered in the October derby draw, a match he started in ahead of Darmian.

Adnan Januzaj's return from his loan debacle at Borussia Dortmund not only allowed Van Gaal to disastrously trial him at left-back for 10 minutes against Southampton, but increase his squad.

Januzaj's comeback, though, was offset on deadline day by Nick Powell's move to Championship leaders Hull, his third loan move in as many seasons. United have just 26 squad members with first-team experience and seven of them are currently injured.

Newcastle, third from bottom, spent more than United in an attempt to salvage their season.

Don't expect Van Gaal to give Scholes a call, either.