Watford made a surprise late move to take United’s goalkeeper Dean Henderson on loan on deadline day but the Red Devils blocked any deal materializing.
Henderson has been hoping to get out on loan in January in order to play football. But his pleas to interim United manager Rangnick fell on deaf ears. The boss did not want to let a first-team squad member leave so late in the day.
Watford came in with an offer late on deadline day and always faced an unlikely race against time to pull a deal off, with United also unable to find an adequate back-up option.
Watford had maintained a watching brief of his situation throughout the window but the goalkeeper’s preference had been to move to Newcastle United.
Once that option fell down on Monday, a move to Watford was considered too difficult to complete in time.
Henderson was set to start the season as United’s No 1 but an untimely bout of Covid allowed David de Gea to grab the starting position and he has been one of the Old Trafford club’s best performers.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle were also in talks with United over a loan move for Henderson – but he has stayed at Old Trafford.
Henderson held talks with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has since spoken with interim manager Rangnick. But he was told he was needed with the club still in the Champions League.
Rangnick has set about streamlining his bloated squad in the hope it can bring in funds and better harmony and balance.
Anthony Martial has left for Sevilla, Amad Diallo has joined Rangers while Donny van de Beek joined Everton on loan.