Manchester United missed out on a crucial signing in the summer transfer window but are still getting deals completed ahead of their clash with Everton
Manchester United are preparing to take their revamped squad away to Everton as Michael Carrick seeks a second consecutive victory after the transfer window slammed shut.
The Red Devils have brought in three midfielders, but former Brighton ace Carlos Baleba won’t be available for his debut against the Toffees at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on Sunday due to injury. While Carrick still has a wealth of options at his disposal in the engine room of the Red Devils side including talisman Bruno Fernandes, the same cannot be said for the left-back position.
United had shown interest in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, but no deal materialised. This leaves Luke Shaw with little competition at full-back, as Carrick tends to deploy Patrick Dorgu further up the pitch, during a season where the squad is battling on multiple fronts including the Champions League. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Michael Carrick misses out on ‘real deal’ signing
United legend Wes Brown has suggested his former club made a mistake by not securing a high-profile move for Lewis Hall, reports the Mirror.
The 21-year-old was among several left-backs linked with a switch to Old Trafford during the transfer window, including Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Barcelona ace Alejandro Balde.
Newcastle reportedly demanded £75million for Hall, who ultimately remained at St. James’ Park.
Nevertheless, former United defender Brown reckons the club have squandered an opportunity by failing to bring the England international into Carrick’s squad and should go after him again at the next available opportunity.
“You can see Lewis Hall is the real deal,” Brown told Oddschecker. “He’s young and he’s definitely a player you could bring into United who would fit in really well.
“So, I would have definitely paid the fee for him. He would be a great fit. Luke is still a tremendous player but there’s always that question mark over his injury record.”
Shaw appeared in all 38 of United’s league fixtures last season but has battled fitness problems previously. The club’s return to the Champions League will heap additional pressure on the 31-year-old, with youngster Harry Amass being the sole alternative left-back in the squad.
Man Utd striker seals transfer
United academy forward Louie Bradbury has finalised a permanent switch to Stoke City.
The 17-year-old has penned a two-year deal, with an option to extend for a further year, and will link up with Stoke’s youth setup.
Wales U19 international Bradbury turned out for United U18s and U21s last term, netting 10 goals in 24 appearances. He also recently scored in the U18 side’s 3-0 victory over Everton last month.
In a club statement confirming the transfer, Stoke’s academy director Jack Higgins expressed his delight at the signing.
He said: “We are delighted to bring Louie to the club, adding to the crop of exciting strikers we have within the U18s and U21s.
“Louie joins us at a good age to continue his development and thrive in our environment after some brilliant experiences with Manchester United during the past few years.”