Manchester United: January 2012 Transfer Window Analysis

It was a quiet transfer period for Manchester United, but there were still a few noteworthy deals that took place before the January transfer window slammed shut.

Three players with senior appearances were shown the Old Trafford exit, while Sir Alex Ferguson welcomed two players to bolster his squad.

As is the case every transfer window, United were linked with the biggest names in the game, but most of the speculation proved to be nonsense. Those supporters hoping for a marquee signing will have to wait until summer, but should still be pleased that the United squad was improved by the business done in January.

These five transfers will have varying degrees on influence on the club, but two in particular have already had a significant impact on United's title chances this season.

Out: Darron Gibson

Darron Gibson was the target of abuse from supporters during his time at Manchester United, with the midfielder famously closing down his Twitter account due to abuse from fans, but he provided his old club with reason to cheer by scoring the winning goal for Everton against Manchester City on Tuesday.

Everton completed the signing of Gibson on January 13, 2012, for an undisclosed fee. The Republic of Ireland international signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Toffees.

Gibson was limited to only two appearances this season for United, and has already made more appearances for Everton in the few weeks since his arrival.

In his entire United career, Gibson scored 10 goals in 60 appearances.

Surprisingly, Gibson's contributions to United have arguably been more significant since his departure from Old Trafford. Everton defeated City, 1-0, at Goodison Park with Gibson scoring the goal. The result allowed his former club to erase the three-point gap at the top of the table.

United probably won't suffer much without Gibson in the squad, but they have certainly already benefited from letting him leave for Everton.

As Sir Alex Ferguson joked after hearing that Gibson's goal had defeated City, "It was all part of the plan."

Out: Mame Biram Diouf

The departure of Mame Biram Diouf is unlikely to impact Manchester United's season considering the Senegal international only made three first-team appearances this campaign.

Diouf signed a two-year deal with Hannover 96 on January 28, 2012 after United agreed to sell the striker for an undisclosed fee.

United secured the signing of Diouf from Molde FK in June 2009, although he did not join the club until January 2010. This marked the beginning of two uneventful years at Old Trafford, with the player making just nine appearances and scoring only one goal.

Following an indifferent start to his United career, Diouf was sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers for the entire 2010-11 season. He returned to United having scored six goals in 29 appearances during his time at Ewood Park.

This season, Diouf made only three appearances, all in the Carling Cup. He was the leading goalscorer for the United Reserves, but failed to score in his limited first-team opportunities.

Diouf always appeared to give his all on the pitch, but he simply lacked the quality to succeed at United. Sir Alex's side should not be affected by the loss of Diouf, and now the player has a fantastic opportunity to get his career back on track.

Out: Ravel Morrison

Praised as the most gifted youngster at Manchester United since Paul Scholes, Ravel Morrison's career at Old Trafford was over before it even had a chance to take off.

Morrison join West Ham United on deadline day in a deal reportedly worth £650,000, which could rise £2 million based on the midfielder's performances. He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, and might make his debut this weekend against Millwall.

As the star player in United's FA Youth Cup success last season, Morrison was tipped to be involved with the first team for the 2011/12 campaign. However, his involvement ended up being insignificant.

Three substitute appearances in the Carling Cup is all Morrison achieved in the United first team, despite being hyped as the future of the club. In fact, his time at Old Trafford is more likely to be remembered for his problems off the pitch than his performances on the pitch.

Few will question Morrison's undoubted potential, but his personal demons threatened to be his undoing. He was found guilty of witness intimidation in early 2011 and received a 12-month referral order. In May 2011, Morrison faced further legal problems when he received a fine for causing criminal damage.

These problems away from the pitch were likely a predominate concern among United official which led to their decision to let the player move on. Sir Alex confirmed that Morrison would be best served with a move away from his troubles in Manchester.

Morrison's move to West Ham is unlikely to affect United this season, but the loss of such a promising talent may come back to haunt the club in the future.

In: Frederic Veseli

Frederic Veseli signed for Manchester United from local rivals Manchester City in a deadline day deal.

The 19-year-old defender, who arrived at Old Trafford on a free transfer, will begin his United career with the reserves, but may get opportunities in the first team with Nemanja Vidic out for the remainder of the season and Rio Ferdinand struggling to stay fit.

Veseli joined Manchester City in 2008, but failed to make a single appearance in his time at the club. In 2009, he captained the Swiss side that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Although he is yet to kick a ball for his new club, Veseli is already winning over the United supporters with his reaction to the transfer on his Twitter account. City fans were upset by his tweets regarding his transfer to their biggest rivals, much to the amusement of United fans on Twitter.

It remains unclear how many opportunities Veseli will have this season, but with injuries continuing to plague United, he offers valuable depth in defense.

In: Paul Scholes

The return of Paul Scholes is the one deal certain to have a positive influence on Manchester United's season.

Scholes retired at the conclusion of last season and took up a coaching role with the club, but he came out of retirement on January 8, 2012 after admitting that he missed playing. He returned later that day as a substitute in United's 3-2 FA Cup victory at Manchester City.

It seems surreal to consider Scholes a new signing given he spent his entire career at the club, but that's what he is. Although he remains a short-term fix to United's midfield problems, few players would have the same influence as Scholes.

The performances of the United midfield have increased substantially with the addition of Scholes. He quickly made an impact upon his return, as if he had never been away. In his first game back at Old Trafford, Scholes scored the opening goal in a 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

Goals are not what makes Scholes such a fantastic signing, however. When he came on in the 59th minute against City, he attempted an incredible 71 passes with a 97 percent passing accuracy. His passing and composure in midfield is what makes him lethal to the opposition. He may continue to contribute goals, but his ability to unlock a defense with a pass is what makes him vital to United's title challenge.

These dominating performances have continued through the month, and there are no signs of him slowing down.

Scholes signed a six-month deal when he returned from retirement, but he appears to be enjoying himself, and another season would not be surprising at this point.

United are currently even on points with City at the top of the table, and getting Scholes back from retirement gives their chances of Premier League glory a valuable boost.